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Steam Sterilization and Internal Count Sheets: Assessing the Potential for Cytotoxicity
Author(s) -
Lucas Anne D.,
Chobin Nancy,
Conner Ramona,
Gordon Edward A.,
Mitchell Sheila,
Perry Ben,
Stratmeyer Mel E.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
aorn journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 43
eISSN - 1878-0369
pISSN - 0001-2092
DOI - 10.1016/j.aorn.2008.09.001
Subject(s) - sterilization (economics) , reuse , inkwell , medicine , pulp and paper industry , materials science , surgery , waste management , engineering , business , composite material , finance , exchange rate , foreign exchange market
Count sheets, when placed in contact with surgical instruments during steam sterilization, can transfer ink to the instruments. To explore whether this poses a safety concern, stainless steel instruments were placed on top of completely inked paper and subjected to steam sterilization, extracted, and tested for cytotoxicity. Preprinted labels were examined in a similar fashion. Extracts from stainless steel devices exposed to ink, toner, or labels showed no significant cytotoxic response, although the ink residue on the devices after steam sterilization is difficult to remove and detrimental to the instrument. Placing a barrier between the count sheet and the devices facilitates reuse of the instruments. AORN J 89 (March 2009) 521–531. © AORN, Inc, 2009.