The Top 8 Hospital Sterilization Cycles for CSSDs & SPDs Written by: Bill Warren Central sterile supply departments (CSSDs) and sterile processing departments (SPDs) play an integral role in hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs), ensuring surgical instruments, medical devices, and other essential equipment are sterilized and ready for use. From cleaning and decontamination to storage and distribution, CSSDs and SPDs maintain rigorous processes to maintain the highest standards […] Tweet Like Share
An Automated Autoclave Process for Use in Determining Glassware Quality [USP 660] Written by: Amit Gupta Glass containers for pharmaceutical use are intended to come into direct contact with pharmaceutical products. The glass container manufacturing process directly results in the quality of glass produced. Certain types of glass are less durable than others and are therefore more susceptible to delamination of the interior of the glass container. If delamination occurs on […] Tweet Like Share
Your Guide to the ATF Bioreactor Sterilization Cycle Written by: Amit Gupta The ATF Bioreactor Cycle is designed to permit the sterilization of hollow fiber filters while housed in bioreactors such as those made by Repligen and Spectrum Labs. This cycle is a relatively new addition to the typical list of sterilization cycles normally found in laboratory autoclaves. Below is an explanation of the ATF Bioreactor Sterilization […] Tweet Like Share
What to Do About Stained Packs After Autoclaving: Common Causes and Affordable Solutions Written by: Scott Mechler In the summer of 2016, Windsor Regional Hospital (WRH) in Windsor, Ontario, was forced to cancel hundreds of surgeries at its Ouellette campus due to a “mysterious sterilization scare.” The strange scare, as reported in numerous media outlets, involved the staining of wrapping materials used to protect sterilized instrument trays during and after autoclaving. Because of […] Tweet Like Share
How to Validate an Autoclave: Sterilization Cycle Development Written by: Scott Mechler Cycle development is an important part of both the autoclave procurement and validation processes. In previous posts about validation, we explored Installation Qualification (IQ), Operation Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ). We also discussed the importance of steam quality testing as part of validating your autoclave, as well as Factory Acceptance Testing. In this post, we provide guidance in developing sterilization cycles and […] Tweet Like Share
Survey Results Show Need for Cloud-Connected Autoclaves in Laboratories Written by: Arthur Trapotsis A recent survey of autoclave users (researchers, lab managers, and technicians) shows, unequivocally, that having access to a cloud-connected autoclave can and will boost productivity, as well as improve access to sterilizer data. In an earlier post — The Birth of the Internet of Labs (IoL) — we skim the surface on the benefits of […] Tweet Like Share
Prion Sterilization: Common Challenges Written by: Arthur Trapotsis Transmission of prion diseases through medical equipment remains an ever-present possibility in many laboratories and medical facilities around the world. As such, prion sterilization should not be taken lightly. Facilities that lack prion sterilization equipment and protocols for exposed or contaminated medical instruments not only put lab personnel at risk, but also endanger any future […] Tweet Like Share
Laboratory Autoclave Steam Sterilization Cycles, Part 10: Immediate-Use (Flash) Sterilization Cycle Written by: Arthur Trapotsis There has been much debate around the antiquated term “flash” sterilization. The Association for Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), the Joint Commission (JC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have all made a concerted effort to clarify the use of flash sterilization, which is now known as immediate-use steam sterilization (IUSS). The particular cycle is not intended for routine sterilization but rather when specific instruments are needed for an emergency procedure. Compared to traditional gravity or vacuum cycles, which are performed at 250°F (121°C), immediate-use cycles are performed at elevated temperatures of 270°F–275°F (132°C–135°C). As a result, immediate-use sterilization cycles are often shorter than gravity or vacuum cycles, which is where the “flash” in flash sterilization comes from. Read more → Tweet Like Share
Why To Autoclave Liquids With a Load Probe Written by: Amit Gupta In our previous Sterilization Cycles post on the F0 Cycle, we briefly reviewed the process for autoclaving liquids with a load probe. This post further discusses the benefits of using a load probe for sterilization validation. A load probe is a temperature sensing probe located inside the laboratory’s autoclave chamber. It is configured such that […] Tweet Like Share
Laboratory Autoclave Steam Sterilization Cycles, Part 9: Air Over-Pressure Cycle Written by: Arthur Trapotsis In the ninth installment of our Steam Sterilization Cycles Series, we explore Air Over–Pressure, another cycle used to sterilize a specific type of liquid load. An Air Over-Pressure Cycle is used to sterilize small liquid loads that are extremely sensitive to evaporation or boil-over in laboratory autoclaves. Typical applications for this cycle include pre-filled pipet tips, small pre-filled vials, loosely capped flasks, foil sealed glassware, or any partially vented containers where even small amounts of evaporation are not acceptable. Read more → Tweet Like Share
10.21.24 How to Start an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) → If you’re a physician who’s considering opening their own ambulatory surgery center (ASC), you’re in good company. MCG Health reports that, of the 5,800 ASCs on record in the U.S. in 2023, 95% were at least partially physician owned and 52% were solely physician owned. The incentives for physicians are clear: ASCs offer greater autonomy […]
10.15.24 The Different Types of Autoclaves [& How to Choose the Right One] → Steam sterilizers — also known as autoclaves — are an essential piece of equipment in any laboratory, research, or healthcare setting, ensuring sterility for important equipment and instruments. Autoclaves are available in a wide array of designs, each tailored for specific applications, ranging from small-scale laboratory sterilization to large-volume industrial processes. Choosing the right autoclave […]
9.30.24 Horizontal vs. Vertical Autoclaves: 6 Key Differences and Benefits → If you’re looking for a new autoclave for your facility, chances are you’ve considered several options during your search for the right one. When it comes to the question of whether a vertical or horizontal autoclave is the right fit for your lab or medical facility, understanding their key differences is crucial. To help you […]
