Comparison of steam and hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization of cohesive latex bandage wraps: A pilot study

To compare the sterilization of cohesive bandage material with steam or hydrogen peroxide gas plasma (HPGP).

In vitro experimental pilot study.

Latex cohesive bandages (n = 49).

Rip-Rap cohesive bandages (n = 20) in equal groups; as supplied, rewound with or without the cardboard roll, and as supplied with no cardboard roll. These were inoculated with 0.1 mL Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores. Each was packaged with a chemical and biological indicator before sterilization with HPGP. Wrap.it (n = 10) and Rip-Rap (n = 10) bandages, divided into as-supplied and rewound groups, were inoculated with 0.1 mL G. stearothermophilus spores. Then sterilized in a steam autoclave at 134°C for 5 min. Post sterilization, the inoculated area was resected and placed into broth and incubated at 60°C for 48 h (HPGP) and 24 h (Steam), then plated onto nutrient agar plates and incubated at 60°C for 24 h. A positive result was recorded as any growth and confirmed as a pure G. stearothermophilus population via MALDI-TOF.

A total of 16 of the HPGP samples had growth of G. stearothermophilus post sterilization. A total of 12 chemical indicators and four biological indicators passed. None of the steam sterilized samples had positive growth, and all indicators passed.

HPGP is not an adequate method of sterilization for latex cohesive bandages. Steam sterilization is effective when the critical parameters for length and temperature are met.

Evidence-based recommendations guide in-house sterilization of latex cohesive bandages for use within the surgical field. This is an important aspect of draping aseptically and, therefore, infection prevention.