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An evaluation of the AbTox Plazlyte Sterilization System
1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre, British Columbia, Canada.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|October 6, 1997
Summary
The AbTox Plazlyte Sterilization System showed sterilization failures, especially with metal washers and instruments. Organic material like salt or protein significantly reduced the system's efficacy, requiring careful instrument cleaning.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Sterilization Technology
- Infection Control
Background:
- Low-temperature sterilization methods are crucial for heat-sensitive medical devices.
- Gas-plasma sterilization offers an alternative to traditional methods like autoclaving and ethylene oxide.
- Evaluating the efficacy of new sterilization systems is vital for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of the AbTox Plazlyte Sterilization System.
- To determine the system's performance against various microbial species.
- To evaluate sterilization of both inoculated carriers and surgical instruments.
Main Methods:
- Two-phase study conducted in a hospital microbiology laboratory.
- Phase 1: Sterilization of inoculated carriers (metal, paper, plastic, glass) and surgical instruments using AbTox cycle II.
- Phase 2: Comparison of AbTox cycle III with ethylene oxide sterilization for stainless steel washers, penicylinders, and surgical equipment.
Main Results:
- Sterilization failures occurred in 32% of metal washers and 3% of instruments with AbTox cycle II.
- Similar failure rates were observed with AbTox cycle III.
- The presence of salt or protein in the test materials significantly impaired the sterilization efficacy of both AbTox cycles.
Conclusions:
- Low-temperature gas-plasma sterilization efficacy can be compromised by organic material.
- Further research is needed to quantify the impact of contaminants on plasma sterilization.
- Healthcare professionals should exercise caution and ensure thorough cleaning of instruments before plasma sterilization.