References
Impact of storage on sterility of surgical instruments in autoclave bags
Abstract
Background:
There is no published veterinary research to support an optimal storage duration and method of sterile surgical instrumentation (SI) when using self-seal autoclave bags (SSABs), although aspects of research from human healthcare are transferable. Multiple pieces of research in human healthcare have demonstrated the ability of sterilisation packaging materials to maintain barrier integrity and sterility for several months poststerilisation. Research on an optimal storage method is inconclusive.
Aims:
To determine an ideal storage duration and method of single SI, packaged in SSABs and sterilised via an autoclave. To determine the current practice of sterilisation, storage methods and durations using SSABs in small animal practice.
Methods:
This mixed methods study consisted of an online questionnaire to investigate the current procedures for autoclave sterilisation in veterinary practice. Alongside this, a non-randomised control study was conducted to assess the sterility of single SI, packaged in SSABs and sterilised via autoclave, to determine an ideal storage duration and method. SI was sterilised and stored for one, three and six months, in open (on a shelf) and closed (in a box) environments.
Results:
The questionnaire indicated veterinary professionals are adopting a cautious approach to storage durations with 75.5% (
Conclusions:
Laboratory findings are mostly consistent with those in existing literature. Results suggest the storage of sterile SI, in either open or closed environments for up to 6 months was not detrimental to the sterility of the instruments. To encourage good sustainability performance, practices could extend the storage times of sterilised SI prior to reprocessing.
In veterinary practice, surgical instruments and kits are routinely prepacked and sterilised ready for use, but then may remain in storage for a period prior to being used. There is currently no published veterinary research to support an optimal storage method and duration of storage to maintain sterility of surgical instrumentation (SI) when using self-seal autoclave bags (SSABs). However, there is a small body of research in human healthcare (Sattayasanskul et al, 1990; Schwartz and Davis, 1990; Butt et al, 1991; Bhumisirikul et al, 2000; Rosa et al, 2001; Bhumisirikul et al, 2003; Brusca et al, 2004; Barker et al, 2011), which could be used as a guide in clinical practice. Some research recommended storage duration, whereas others expressed inconclusive evidence. There are several recommendations from manufacturers of veterinary SSABs and in existing veterinary literature. For example, Millpledge (2023) suggested a 3–6 month shelf life of their SSABs, post sterilisation, depending on the handling and storage conditions In addition, KRUUSE stated that SI will remain sterile for up to 6 months post sterilisation when using their SSABs (https://tinyurl.com/2y2mb3mf).
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