Pasteurization
is a process developed by Louis Pasteur of heating milk, wine, or
other liquids to 65–77°C (or the equivalent) for approximately 30
minutes to kill or markedly reduce the number of pathogenic and
spoilage organisms other than bacterial spores. Pasteurization is
not a sterilization process;
its purpose is to destroy all pathogenic
microorganisms. However,
pasteurization does not destroy bacterial spores. The
time-temperature relation for hot-water pasteurization is generally
~70°C (158°F) for 30 minutes. The water temperature and time should
be monitored as part of a quality-assurance program. Pasteurization
of respiratory therapy and anesthesia equipment is a recognized
alternative to chemical disinfection.
Pasteurization of respiratory therapy and
anesthesia equipment is a recognized alternative to chemical
disinfection. The efficacy of this process has been tested using an
inoculum that the authors believed might simulate contamination by
an infected patient. Use of a large inoculum of P. aeruginosa or
Acinetobacter calcoaceticus in sets of respiratory tubing before
processing demonstrated that machine-assisted chemical processing
was more efficient than machine-assisted pasteurization with a
disinfection failure rate of 6% and 83%, respectively. Other
investigators found hot water disinfection to be effective
(inactivation factor >5 log10) against multiple bacteria, including
multidrug-resistant bacteria, for disinfecting reusable anesthesia
or respiratory therapy equipment. 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.
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.
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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.
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We have 24-hour test results for Steam sterilizers!
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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).
In-Office and Mail-To-Lab Testing!
Verify the sterilization process of all steam
sterilizers which include Statim, Midmark,
Tuttnauer, Lisa, Mocom and Pelton & Crane
sterilizers.
Bowie-Dick Test
Packs should be used daily to evaluate the
performance of air-removal (vacuum) system of
dynamic pre-vacuum type sterilizers. Available
as test cards or preassembled test packs.
Internal CI’s should be used within
each pouch or package, tray, or container. Class 5
Integrators should be used in conjunction with
physical monitoring and biological indicator
testing for verifying the efficacy of a
sterilization system. (See AAMI ST79:2006)
Recordkeeping is a must for all
sterile processing departments. This ensures
accountability and allows operators to trace
errors to their source. Tips on sterilizer
maintenance and technical advice are included with
each book.
