Thorough cleaning required before disinfection and sterilization:

All other conditions remaining constant, the larger the number of microbes, the more time a germicide needs to destroy all of them. Spaulding illustrated this relation when he employed identical test conditions and demonstrated that it took 30 minutes to kill 10 Bacillus atrophaeus (formerly Bacillus subtilis) spores but 3 hours to kill 100,000 Bacillus atrophaeus spores.  This reinforces the need for scrupulous cleaning of medical instruments before disinfection and sterilization.  Reducing the number of microorganisms that must be inactivated through meticulous cleaning, increases the margin of safety when the germicide is used according to the labeling and shortens the exposure time required to kill the entire microbial load.

Accessibility of sterilant to microorganisms:

The location of microorganisms also must be considered when factors affecting the efficacy of germicides are assessed.  Medical instruments with multiple pieces must be disassembled and equipment such as endoscopes that have crevices, joints, and channels are more difficult to disinfect than are flat-surface equipment because penetration of the disinfectant of all parts of the equipment is more difficult.  Only surfaces that directly contact the germicide will be disinfected, so there must be no air pockets and the equipment must be completely immersed for the entire exposure period.  Manufacturers should be encouraged to produce equipment engineered for ease of cleaning and disinfection.  See the complete recommendations on sterilizer and disinfection at www.cdc.gov “Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008”.

ATS, Inc. stocks sterility assurance products – see Supplies and also our Services.

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).