A storage practice that recognizes that a package and its contents should remain sterile until some event causes the item(s) to become contaminated.

Although some hospitals continue to date every sterilized product and use the time-related shelf-life practice, many hospitals have switched to an event-related shelf-life practice.  This latter practice recognizes that the product should remain sterile until some event causes the item to become contaminated (e.g., tear in packaging, packaging becomes wet, seal is broken).  Event-related factors that contribute to the contamination of a product include bioburden (i.e., the amount of contamination in the environment), air movement, traffic, location, humidity, insects, vermin, flooding, storage area space, open/closed shelving, temperature, and the properties of the wrap material. 

There is data that support the event-related shelf-life practice; one study examined the effect of time on the sterile integrity of paper envelopes, peel pouches, and nylon sleeves.  The most important finding was the absence of a trend toward an increased rate of contamination over time for any pack when placed in covered storage.  Another evaluated the effectiveness of event-related outdating by microbiologically testing sterilized items.  During the 2-year study period, all of the items tested were sterile.  Thus, contamination of a sterile item is event-related and the probability of contamination increases with increased handling.  See the complete recommendations on sterilizer and disinfection at www.cdc.gov “Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008”.

ATS, Inc. stocks sterile-processing packaging supplies such as sterilization pouches or bags – see Supplies.

DID YOU KNOW?

§       Autoclave Testing Service, Inc. is one of the first companies nationwide to offer a Mail-In sterilizer monitoring service using biological indicators.  Serving the healthcare industry throughout the United States and Canada since 1986, we have thousands of satisfied customers.

§       We have on-line test results allowing you to access your results at your convenience!  Your Sterilizer Test Report (STR) is posted on-line upon completion of culturing, offering minimum turn-around time.

§       We have 24-hour test results for Steam sterilizers!

§       We have a comprehensive Glossary of Terms related to the sterile processing area (scroll below to view the Glossary).  This is invaluable information, assisting you with this important area of your facility.

ATS, Inc. now stocks sterilization pouches, sterilizer cleaners, chemical indicator products, sterilizers (new and used), ultrasonic cleaners, water distillers, and more!  (see Supplies).