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At least 847 records · Page 47Linked to original sources
PubMed1988

Survey of sterile technique used by dermatologic surgeons.

A survey was made of the sterile technique practices of dermatologists interested in dermatologic surgery. The steam autoclave is the most popular method for sterilizing surgical instruments. Dry heat sterilization is often used, as is cold, chemical sterilization. The most popular agent for chemical sterilization continues to be quaternary ammonium compounds despite warnings to the contrary. Gas sterilization is rarely used. Alcohol is the most popular agent for prepping the skin and iodophors are also quite popular. Dermatologists are now wearing gloves for most procedures. Prophylactic antibiotics are used minimally in surgical cases, as is recommended by established standards.

Dermatology↗
PubMed2001

Fracture resistance of gamma radiation sterilized cortical bone allografts.

Gamma radiation is widely used for sterilization of human cortical bone allografts. Previous studies have reported that cortical bone becomes brittle due to gamma radiation sterilization. This embrittlement raises concern about the performance of a radiation sterilized allograft in the presence of a stress concentration that might be surgically introduced or biologically induced. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of gamma radiation sterilization on the fracture resistance of human femoral cortical bone in the presence of a stress concentration. Fracture toughness tests of specimens sterilized at a dose of 27.5 kGy and control specimens were conducted transverse and longitudinal to the osteonal orientation of the bone tissue. The formation of damage was monitored with acoustic emission (AE) during testing and was histologically observed following testing. There was a significant decrease in fracture toughness due to irradiation in both crack growth directions. The work-to-fracture was also significantly reduced. It was observed that the ability of bone tissue to undergo damage in the form of microcracks and diffuse damage was significantly impaired due to radiation sterilization as evidenced by decreased AE activity and histological observations. The results of this study suggest that, for cortical bone irradiated at 27.5 kGy, it is easier to initiate and propagate a macrocrack from a stress concentration due to the inhibition of damage formation at and near the crack tip.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Sterilization and union instability in Brazil.

Brazilian women rely on sterilization as the main source of birth control. Sterilization has been one of the causes of the steep decline in fertility in Brazil, at least since the second half of 1970. It is hypothesized that understanding couples' relationships might be key to explaining this high rate of female sterilizations. Possible reasons for the higher level of fertility among women in unstable unions than among women in stable ones could be the less effective use of contraceptive methods, or that women in unstable unions tend to use less effective or reversible contraceptive methods. In this paper discrete time modelling of the timing of sterilization according to union histories is presented. The analysis uses the calendar data of the 1996 Brazilian DHS. It is shown that women in second or higher order unions have a lower risk of sterilization. This result should be taken into account in the analysis of the determinants of female sterilization in Brazil.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Remote site production of sterile purified water from available surface water.

A water purification and sterilization device was tested for its functional capabilities. Challenge water consisting of potable water augmented with bacteria, endotoxin, virus, suspended solids, and dissociable ions (sodium chloride, lead or arsenic salts) was passed through the device. The product water quality attributes were analyzed. The device demonstrated reduction in bacteria of >7 logs, endotoxin was reduced by >4 logs, virus was reduced by >4 logs, and dissociable ions were reduced by >3 logs. The product water of the device met the limits for a range of chemical entities specified by the United States Pharmacopeia and Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. The product water met the quality attributes of Sterile Water for Injection, USP, Sterile Purified Water, USP, and the Water for Dialysis. The device provides a logistical advantage in reducing the weight of transport of packaged water by 83% and the cube by 67%. It operates manually by gravity and is disposable after a single use. The device provides an effective alternative to the transport and use of packaged sterile water in remote locations by production of sterile water at the point-of-need using available water. It also is capable of producing safe drinking water following the production of clinical waters. This device has been cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration for production of three liters Sterile Purified Water, USP from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grade drinking water.

Communicable Disease Control↗
PubMed1998

Effectiveness of two methods of denture sterilization.

Species of Candida and in particular Candida albicans may be involved in the aetiology of denture stomatitis. Studies have shown that Candida and other oral micro-organisms including Streptococcus gordonii are associated with denture plaque; hence denture hygiene is an important factor in the prevention and treatment of the disease. The aim of this investigation was to test in vitro the efficacy of two methods of denture sterilization: (1) microwave irradiation and (2) sodium hypochlorite soak. Twenty upper acrylic dentures were prepared for microbiological assay; 10 were inoculated with C. albicans H1 and 10 with S. gordonii LGR2. Within each group, five dentures were tested in a domestic microwave oven for optimal exposure time and temperature to ensure sterilization; the five control dentures were not microwaved. Microbiological analyses showed that the inoculated dentures became sterile after six min of irradiation at medium setting (2450 MHz, 350 W). Damage to the microorganisms after microwave irradiation was clearly visible by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Following the same protocol as above, experimental dentures were soaked for 8 h in either 0.02%, or 0.0125% sodium hypochlorite solution and control dentures soaked in distilled water. Microbiological analyses showed that the experimental dentures inoculated with C. albicans H1 became sterile. By contrast, those inoculated with S. gordonii LGR2 did not become sterile, and the SEM procedures confirmed these findings. The results of this study indicate that microwaving may be a more effective method of denture sterilization than denture soaking in sodium hypochlorite. However, compared with microwaving, hypochlorite reduces the levels of residual non-viable micro-organisms attached to the denture surface.

Acrylic Resins↗
PubMed1995

Sterility of plastic tubing welds in components stored at room temperature.

BACKGROUND: The ability of a sterile connecting device to maintain sterility when being used to weld tubing of a blood component to be stored at room temperature, such as a platelet unit, has not been adequately documented, nor has it been determined when the tubing to be welded is filled with liquid. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The sterility of sterile connecting device welds of polyvinylchloride tubing were challenged after intentional contamination of the exterior of the tubing with both gram-positive and gram-negative organisms (4 x 10(4) to 3 x 10(6) colony-forming units/mL). Welding (n = 244) was performed with the contaminated area either being wet or having been allowed to dry. At the time of the welding, the tubing segments were either empty or filled with liquid (either aliquots of white cell-reduced apheresis platelets or bacteriologic growth medium). After the welding, the liquid was passed across the weld and held in the attached transfer pack for 5 to 7 days at room temperature. RESULTS: Two welds were found to be incomplete and leaky, and both of the units involved had positive cultures. One transfer pack had inadvertently been contaminated at the time of its initial, postweld culture by a bacterium other than the one used in the experiment. Aside from these three nonevaluable units, all of the welds were sterile when cultured after the packs were held for 5 to 7 days. CONCLUSION: This study documents the ability of the sterile connecting device to maintain a closed system in the welding of blood component units to be maintained at room temperature. All welds should be closely inspected at the time of completion to detect leaks that may lead to contamination.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1999

Inactivation of duck hepatitis B virus by a hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization system: laboratory and 'in use' testing.

Human hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important cause of nosocomial infections and can be transmitted by contaminated instruments. However, tests of the efficacy of sterilization of materials and equipment contaminated by HBV are difficult to perform because the virus cannot be cultured in the laboratory. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the capability of a low temperature, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilizer (Sterrad, Advanced Sterilization Products, Irvine California,) to inactivate duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV). In laboratory efficacy studies using DHBV dried on to glass filter carriers and exposed to one-half of the hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization process, there was a 10(7) or greater decrease in the viral titer, with no infectivity detected on the carriers after treatment. In-use studies were performed using a laparoscope that was experimentally contaminated with DHBV to mimic the possible transmission of infection between successive patients. Following exposure to the hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilization process no transmission of DHBV infection from the laparoscope occurred despite obvious visual soiling with blood (N = 8) while the transmission rate for the unprocessed laparoscope (positive control) was 100% (26/26), and that for instruments after a water wash was 63% (7/11). In conclusion the hydrogen gas plasma sterilization process completely inactivates DHBV a representative of the hepadna group of viruses.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Sterilization of elastic ligatures for intraoperative mandibulomaxillary immobilization.

Sterilization can influence the mechanical properties of elastic ligatures used for mandibulomaxillary immobilization. The aim of this study was to compare different sterilization protocols (ethylene oxide, autoclave, irradiation, plasma sterilization, povidone-iodine for 24 hours and 70% isopropyl alcohol for 24 hours) of three elastomers (natural rubber, silicone rubber, and polyurethane). Three mechanical variables were assessed in a testing machine: breaking strength, tensile strength and tensile strength after a 24-hour load (material fatigue). Natural rubber was most susceptible to mechanical alteration by sterilization and lost 46% of its breaking strength and 43% of its tensile strength after autoclaving. Polyurethane was more resistant (multiple comparison, Tukey-Kramer), but polyurethane ligatures stuck together after autoclaving. The protocols for low-temperature sterilization, ethylene oxide, irradiation, and plasma were superior to autoclaving and the disinfecting solutions. These data suggest that polyurethane sterilized with ethylene oxide is the material of choice.

2-Propanol↗
PubMed2002

Biologic monitoring of dental office sterilizers in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Biologic indicators (BIs) are the quality control applicable to sterilization cycles, but their use was not previously taught in Mexican dental schools or recommended by professional associations. A Mexican official standard, the Mexican Official Norm, published by health authorities in 1999 makes it compulsory for dentists to biologically verify sterilization cycles. However, only a few dentists comply because the use of BIs is largely unknown and the standard is not being enforced. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of sterilization failures in a convenience sample of dental offices in Mexico. METHODS: Spore strips were distributed to dentists interested in using this service. The dentists mailed the processed BIs to the laboratory for culture. RESULTS: In 6 years, 3277 tests were submitted from 82 dental offices. Thirty-four offices (41%) submitted 1 to 12 tests, 22 (27%) sent 14 to 48 tests, 18 (22%) mailed 49 to 96 tests, and 8 (10%) sent >97 tests. The sterilization methods were steam (74.4%), dry heat (20%), and chemical vapor (5.6%). A total of 242 sterilization failures (7.4% of all cycles) were detected. Convection dry heat failed with a greater frequency with chi(2) analysis (chi(2) = 13.71, P =.0175). CONCLUSIONS: Sterilization failures occurred in instrument loads used in patient treatment. Steam and chemical vapor under pressure failed less often than convection dry heat. When corrective action is taken, routine use of BIs increases patient safety.

Chi-Square Distribution↗
PubMed2002

Effect of steam versus dry-heat sterilization on the wear of orthodontic ligature-cutting pliers.

The purpose of this study was to compare the wear of orthodontic ligature-cutting pliers after multiple cycles of cutting stainless steel ligature wire (.025 mm) and sterilizing with dry heat or steam autoclave. Fifty ligature-cutting pliers with stainless steel inserts were randomly divided into 2 equal groups to be sterilized in either dry heat or steam autoclave. Each plier was subjected to a series of ligature wire cuts followed by the assigned sterilization method. The amount of wear at the tip of each plier in both groups was measured with a stereo microscope system and digital photomicrography. Wear was defined as the difference in initial length from a marked reference line to the tip of the plier minus the length after 6 and 12 cycles of use and sterilization. There was no significant difference in the mean wear at the tip of the pliers between the 2 groups. It appears that there is no need to maintain both sterilization systems, dry heat and steam autoclave, in the orthodontic office. Steam autoclave sterilization can be used with no deleterious effects on the pliers if they are manufactured with stainless steel inserts.

Chi-Square Distribution↗
PubMed2000

Birth planning and sterilization in China.

Sterilization is the most prevalent method of contraception in China. Approximately half of all women of reproductive age report that they or their husbands are sterilized. Using data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey we describe patterns of sterilization in eight Chinese provinces. With a discrete-time event history model we investigate the link between characteristics of local birth planning policy and the risk of sterilization. After controlling for parity, the risk of sterilization is highest in communities where birth planning policy is least strong as measured by exceptions to the one-child policy. These results suggest that couples with more flexibility in family building may have less control over contraceptive method use. Other factors affecting the risk of sterilization are a woman's age, parity, and whether or not she has a son. Our results emphasize the importance of taking into account multiple dimensions of reproductive behaviour when assessing one-child policy changes.

China↗
PubMed2005

A comparative study of ethylene oxide gas, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, and low-temperature steam formaldehyde sterilization.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacies of ethylene oxide gas (EOG), hydrogen peroxide gas plasma (PLASMA), and low-temperature steam formaldehyde (LTSF) sterilization methods. METHODS: The efficacies of EOG, PLASMA, and LTSF sterilization were tested using metal and plastic plates, common medical instruments, and three process challenge devices with narrow lumens. All items were contaminated with Bacillus stearothermophilus spores or used a standard biological indicator. RESULTS: EOG and LTSF demonstrated effective killing of B. stearothermophilus spores, with or without serum, on plates, on instruments, and in process challenge devices. PLASMA failed to adequately sterilize materials on multiple trials in several experiments, including two of three plates, two of three instruments, and all process challenge devices. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that PLASMA sterilization may be unsuccessful under certain conditions, particularly when used for items with complex shapes and narrow lumens. Alternatively, LTSF sterilization demonstrates excellent efficacy and is comparable to EOG sterilization. LTSF could potentially act as a substitute if EOG becomes unavailable due to environmental concerns.

Equipment and Supplies↗
PubMed1996

Disinfection and sterilization of patient-care items.

This article provides recommendations on the preferred method for disinfection and sterilization of patient-care items based on the intended use of the item (i.e., critical, semicritical, noncritical). The chemical disinfectants recommended for patient-care items and instruments include glutaraldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, sodium hypochlorite, alcohol, iodophors, phenolics, and quaternary ammonium compounds. The choice of disinfectant, concentration, and exposure time is based on the risk of infection associated with the use of the item. The sterilization methods briefly discussed include steam sterilization, ethylene oxide, dry heat, and the new low-temperature sterilization technologies. When properly used, these disinfection and sterilization processes can ensure the safe use of invasive and noninvasive medical devices. However, this requires strict adherence to current cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization guidelines.

Cross Infection↗
PubMed2005

Influence of autoclave sterilization on the surface parameters and mechanical properties of six orthodontic wires.

Orthodontic wires are frequently packaged in individual sealed bags in order to avoid cross-contamination. The instructions on the wrapper generally advise autoclave sterilization of the package and its contents if additional protection is desired. However, sterilization can modify the surface parameters and the mechanical properties of many types of material. The aim of this research was to determine the influence of one of the most widely used sterilization processes, autoclaving (18 minutes at 134 degrees C, as recommended by the French Ministry of Health), on the surface parameters and mechanical properties of six wires currently used in orthodontics (one stainless steel alloy: Tru-Chrome RMO; two nickel-titanium shape memory alloys: Neo Sentalloy and Neo Sentalloy with Ionguard GAC; and three titanium-molybdenum alloys: TMA(R) and Low Friction TMA Ormco and Resolve GAC). The alloys were analysed on receipt and after sterilization, using surface structure observation techniques, including optical, scanning electron and atomic force microscopy and profilometry. The mechanical properties were assessed by three-point bending tests. The results showed that autoclave sterilization had no adverse effects on the surface parameters or on the selected mechanical properties. This supports the possibility for practitioners to systematically sterilize wires before placing them in the oral environment.

Chromium Alloys↗
PubMed1982

Cumulative prevalence rates and corrected incidence rates of surgical sterilization among women in the United States, 1971--1978.

The authors used data from the 1970 National Fertility Survey and Centers for Disease Control surveillance of surgical sterilizations to estimate the cumulative prevalences of hysterectomy and tubal sterilization among women of reproductive age in the United States between 1971 and 1978. In 1978, the cumulative prevalence rate of tubal sterilization was more than twice as high for women aged 15--44 years as it was in 1971 and at least three times as high for women under 30. Although the increase in the cumulative prevalence rate of hysterectomy was not as marked, by 1978, 19% of women aged 40--44 had undergone hysterectomy. The authors used the cumulative prevalence rate to estimate the population at risk for surgical sterilization, and calculated the corrected incidence rates for these procedures. While corrected incidence rates of tubal sterilization among women aged 15--44 doubled between 1971 and 1978, corrected hysterectomy rates remained stable. The largest age-specific increase in incidence rates of tubal sterilization was among women 40--44, with rates six times higher in 1978 than in 1971. These findings can be used to recompute incidence rates of endometrial and cervical cancers, abortions, and ectopic pregnancies, allowing more precise analysis of related trends.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Clinical experience with heat sterilization for reprocessing dialyzers.

Use of heat sterilization for dialysis reprocessing offers significant advantages over chemical germicides. Polysulfone dialyzers (Fresenius 60M or 80M) can be sterilized by heating to 105 degrees C for 20 hr, thus permitting clinical trials of this method. One hundred eighty patients received 9,000 treatments. Pyrogenic reactions, sepsis, and subjective symptoms have not occurred. In vitro clearances (Qb 500 ml/min, Qd 800 ml/min) at baseline and after 2-8 uses did not differ (340 +/- 29 vs. 352 +/- 4 ml/min, respectively). KoA determined in vivo did not decrease (baseline 709 +/- 131 vs. 7th use 632 +/- 50 ml/min). Kt/V for urea was not different in 18 patients treated with heat sterilized dialyzers over 6 months when compared with a baseline period with formaldehyde sterilized dialyzers (1.37 +/- 0.12 vs. 1.32 +/- 0.11 at similar time and blood flows). Mean use number was 7.4 (dialyzers limited to 11 uses). Of discarded dialyzers, 44% failed a bedside integrity test (blood side pressurized at > 400 mmHg for 1 min), 36% failed automated fiber bundle or pressure holding tests, 8% had a blood leak, and 12% reached 11 uses. Clinical blood leaks occur in < 0.5% of treatments. Heat sterilization is a safe and effective method of dialysis reprocessing, but quality control of the process is essential. Based on initial clinical experience, heat sterilization of dialyzers for reuse is a promising alternative to chemical disinfection.

Blood Urea Nitrogen↗
PubMed2001

Antibacterial properties of electron beam-sterilized Gutta-Percha cones.

The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of electron beam sterilization on gutta-percha cones (GPCs) at different times after sterilization. An agar diffusion test was used with -one aerobic bacterium (Bacillus subtilis) and five oral anaerobic bacteria (Fusobacterium nucleatum, Peptostreptococcus micros, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Propionibacterium acnes, and Veillonella parvula). With each microorganism 30 agar plates were prepared, evenly distributed among three groups (group 1: unsterilized GPCs; groups 2 and 3: GPCs sterilized by electron beam irradiation 5 months and 5 yr before, respectively). One GPC of the selected group was placed in each plate. After incubation the area of inhibition was read on the agar plates. Inhibition of growth was significantly different for the tested microorganisms. However no significant difference was observed between the sterilized and unsterilized GPCs. Both the tested sterilized and unsterilized GPCs impair the growth of endodontic pathogens, with no influence of the time elapsed since sterilization.

Agar↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Evaluation of closed container flash sterilization system.

Flash sterilization is a rapid, effective procedure for providing sterile instruments for surgery; however, aseptic transport of an unwrapped sterile tray is a major problem. This study tested the effectiveness of using a closed container for flash sterilization, and found the closed container to be an effective alternative to the traditional open tray for flash sterilization and transportation of sterile supplies.

Evaluation Studies as Topic↗