Original criteria:
(1) unwrapped item placed
(2) in a gravity displacement sterilizer
(3) heated at 132°C (269.6°F) for 3 minutes
(4) under 27-28 pounds steam pressure
Modifications:
(1) inclusion of other types of sterilizers
(2) enclosure in a steam permeable enclosure
(3) use of slightly higher temperature (135°C or 275°F)
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Flash Sterilizer Types
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Nonporous Items
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Porous with or without Nonporous Items
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gravity displacement
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3 minutes
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10 minutes
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prevacuum
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3 minutes
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4 minutes
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steam-flush pressure-pulse
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3 minutes
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3 minutes
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Requirements:
(1) Decontamination and cleaning of the item before processing.
(2) Method to minimize contamination of the item after sterilization
(2a) location immediately adjacent to operating room
(2b) enclosure in steam permeable container
(3) Allowing the item to cool before use, in order to prevent burns to the surgical team and/or patient.
(4) Use of a rapid biological indicator that can give results in 1 hour.
(5) Monitoring of use, to make sure that this is only used in critical situations and not as a routine procedure.
(6) Records of all patients and items processed sufficient for investigation of post-operative infections.
(7) Careful maintenance of the sterilizer.
Implanted devices:
(1) These items should not be flash sterilized unless absolutely necessary.
(2) Careful records should be kept of all components undergoing flash sterilization.
(3) Patients receiving a flash sterilized implant should be monitored more closely for infection.
