LOW TEMPERATURE STERILIZATION-STERRAD(ASP)



OVERVIEW
STERRAD (ASP) sterilizer can process many of the items you commonly sterilized as well as instruments that are sensitive to heat and moisture.
  •  Fiber optic light cables
  •  Rigid  endoscopes
  •  Forceps

5 Phases
  •  1.       The vacuum phase- the chamber is evacuated, reducing internal pressure in preparation for the subsequent reaction.

  • 2.       The injection phase- a measured amount of liquid peroxide is injected into the chamber, evaporating the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution and dispersing it into the chamber, where it kills bacteria on any surface it can reach.

  • 3.       The diffusion phase- the hydrogen peroxide vapor permeates the chamber, exposing all load surfaces to the sterilant and rapidly sterilizes devices and materials without leaving any toxic residues. At the completion of the phase, the chamber pressure is reduced and the plasma discharge is initiated.

  • 4.       The plasma phase- an electromagnetic field is created in which the hydrogen peroxide vapor breaks apart, producing a low-temperature plasma cloud that contains ultraviolet light and free radicals. Following the reaction, the activated components lose their high energy and recombine to form oxygen and water.Phase 1, 2 and 3 are then run a second time for added efficacy. This built-in reprocessing assures optimal sterilization for even the most difficult to sterilize devices.

  •  5.       The vent phase- the chamber is vented to equalize the pressure enabling the chamber door to be open. There is no need for aeration or cool- down. Devices are ready for immediate use.

LOADING PROCEDURE:
 
  •    First load of the day must include a Biological Indicator.
  •    Place peel pouches loosely on edge, arrange them so that the transparent side of a pouch faces the opaque side of the next pouch. Do not stack pouches on top of the other.
  •   Arrange the items in a tray to ensure that the hydrogen peroxide and plasma can surround them. Do not stack basins within the trays. 
  •    The sterrad should only be loaded with items and instruments as per manufacturer’s recommendation.
  •   When loading ensure that nothing touches the walls of the chamber. 
  •   Place trays flat on the tier shelf. 
  • CSD technicians should consult the MSDS when handling H2O2 cassette and chemical indicator    to prevent burning accidents. 
  •   The load must not project above the top or beyond the edge of the two- tier. 
  •  Provide at least 25mm (1inch) of space between the electrode and the top of the load. 
  •  CDS technicians should wear PPE.
CAUTION: UNLOADABLE ITEMS
  • Liquid, powder, linen, cellulose, paper, towels, devices with channels or lumens longer than 31cm or narrow than 6mm.
  • Foam pads in instrument trays
PROCEDURE FOR MONITORING:
  
  1.        Physical Indicator -  it is achieved through the use of microchip that is installed in the machine. This processor monitors the cycle during sterilization and provides a read out at the end. During the cycle the machine will be cancelled if the parameters of proper sterilization were not met.
  2.   Chemical Indicator – are used on the outside to signal that the pack has been processed and inside to measure efficacy of the sterile penetration of the package.
  3.     Biological Indicator – it is most commonly used and it should be placed in the first cycle of each day. It is used to indicate that microorganisms like spores have been destroyed.

TROUBLESHOOTING: 
  
  1.     Reset barcode
  2.       The system store barcode information in a file called a buffer. It retain too much data and produce a false bar-code error.
  3.    If you have inserted two new cassettes and received a barcode error messages, you should,-Access the cassette functions Press reset if successful and run a cycle as usual-If the reset is unsuccessful, there is a problem within the system. Many systems messages are the result of problems with the materials in the load.
  4. If you received error messages, be sure to inspect the load be sure to replace all the cycle indicators and Biological indicator

By products of plasma sterilization are primarily water and oxygen and because these by- products are harmless there is no need for aeration or environment hazard concerns.