The original equipment manufacturer (OEM)instructions that came with the new rigid endoscope system did not recommend a particular sterilization modality;however,high temperatures and ultrasonic cleaning were discouraged and the facility recently removed the ethylene oxide sterilizers from the sterile processing department.The perioperative nurses and surgical technologists in the minimally invasive surgery (MIS)service collaborated on developing a processing procedure for their new equipment.What modality is their best option?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The low-temperature plasma sterilization system uses hydrogen peroxide gas plasma,which sterilizes within 50 to 75 minutes and dissociates into nontoxic by-products.Understanding the advantages and limitations (e.g.,lumen restrictions)of this system is important when determining if it would meet the needs of endoscope or instrument sterilization.Generally,flexible endoscopes cannot be sterilized in this system,but shorter rigid scopes with larger lumens can.The low-temperature requirement for this system could also address the lenses of the rigid telescopes and video components.

The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)instructions That Came with the New