Sterilization of Instruments

[burgles]

Does anyone know about or know where I can find information on sterilization requirements for instruments used in palliative care?

Thanks,
D.B.

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[Dr. Gangrene]

Does anyone know about or know where I can find information on sterilization requirements for instruments used in palliative care?

Thanks,
D.B.

Out here in the west, we just give um a spittin' and wipe em down.

 

[burgles]

Actually, I went to a clinic the other day and that's about what I saw. I can see not sterilizing clippers and the like, but what about curettes and scalpels?

 

[krabmas]

Actually, I went to a clinic the other day and that's about what I saw. I can see not sterilizing clippers and the like, but what about curettes and scalpels?

Some people are under the impression that as long as the skin is not broken the above instruments do not need to be cleaned. Scalpel blades should be thrown away after each use on a patient.

The standard is autoclave and at minimum cold sterilization.

These are some of the chemicals used for cold sterilization:

Glutaraldehyde (2%) for a minimum of 10 hours.

Formaldehyde (8%) / Alcohol (70%); minimum of 18 hours.

Stabilized hydrogen peroxide (6%) for a minimum of 6 hours

 

[NatCh]

Does anyone know about or know where I can find information on sterilization requirements for instruments used in palliative care?

Thanks,
D.B.

I don't know if there are federal requirements. It might be a state-level regulation. Try googling "podiatry instrument sterilization regulations [your state]."

Scroll down to section named "Infection Control and Prevention"

http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/OARs_300/OAR_333/333_505.html

Nat