Last month our webinar was about sterilization. I received several questions by email about different areas that were only touched briefly. I would like to follow up on those questions here.
We want to adopt event related sterility as a policy. What things should we include?
a. Event-related sterility assumes that the sterilized item remains sterile until the package/ container becomes compromised.
b. Types of events leading to container compromise:
i.
Microbe invasion (soil from environment, etc.)
ii.
Setting a sterilized item on a wet surface
iii.
Temperature/ humidities outside of standardized parameters
iv.
Improper air exchanges
v.
High traffic in storage locations
vi.
Frequent handling/ transport (dropping or compressing containment device revealing compromised packaging)
vii.
Breach in aseptic technique
c. Staff training regarding event related sterility.
i.
Transport should be in a covered or enclosed container with a solid bottom
ii.
Reusable transport containers are decontaminated between uses
iii.
Manufacturer established expiration dates should be adhered to unless an event occurs which compromises the packaging. Then the event sterility would go into effect
iv.
Stock rotation will still be necessary
What is the difference between gravity and prevac?
a. Gravity: most common and simplest. Steam is pumped into a chamber and displaces the air by gravity through a drain port. There is no mechanical assistance.
b. Prevac: Alternating steam injections and vacuum draws or pulses to remove the air.
