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Flash
sterilization is a sterilization process that allows for immediate
use of patient care items, performed at the time of a surgical
procedure. Flash-sterilized items or devices are to be used
immediately following sterilization.
When using flash
sterilization, make sure the following parameters are met:
1.
Clean
the item before placing it in the sterilizing container (that are
FDA cleared for use with flash sterilization) or tray;
2.
Prevent exogenous contamination of the item during transport from
the sterilizer to the patient;
3.
Monitor sterilizer function with
mechanical,
chemical,
and
biologic monitors.
EXCEPTION:
Do not flash sterilize implanted surgical devices unless doing so is
unavoidable. Do not use flash sterilization for convenience, as an
alternative to purchasing additional instrument sets, or to save
time. Do not use packaging materials and containers in flash
sterilization cycles unless the sterilizer and the packaging
material/container are designed for this use.
When necessary, use flash sterilization for
patient-care items that will be used immediately (e.g., to reprocess
an inadvertently dropped instrument). Also, when necessary, use
flash sterilization for processing patient-care items that cannot be
packaged, sterilized, and stored before use.
See the complete recommendations on
sterilizer and disinfection at
www.cdc.gov
“Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare
Facilities, 2008”.
ATS, Inc. provides
products
and
services
to assist your
office in its endeavor for sterility assurance, protecting yourself,
your patients and staff from the spread of harmful communicable
diseases.
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