flash sterilization

[fkrizman]

After researching manufactures recommendations on several of our laparoscopic instruments we found flash sterilization is not recommeded so the company does not give parameters to do so.

We realize flash sterilization is never recommended but what do you do when it appears you have no choice?

Their reasoning is not to do with the ability to accomplish sterility but rather how hard a flash may be on the working parts of the instrument. The sales rep. states she does have clients who do flash these instruments but states they may need extra lubricant.

If the company does not give flash parameters and their stance is not to flash is it against standards to do so?

Could you run it on the recommended cycle without the dry time?

[pnothum]

If you can program the cycle required without a dry time you are meeting requirements. Flash sterilizers are just smaller terminal sterilizers and should be able to be programed for several cycles. At the last facility I worked at our OR sterilizer had a 4 minute pre-vac, 1 minute dry time for these types of situations.