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jtruitt
10-11-2011, 07:06 AM
We use a bottle of sterile water for flushing instruments with lumens. We pour out what is needed in a prep cup daily. When I worked in surgery, once a bottle is opened it is all used at that time. Since this water is not used in a sterile fashion how long can it be used?? 1000cc is used up in probably 7 days. We will date it when it is opened. What is everyone else using for flush and how long is it in use?
I attended an AORN seminar this weekend and it was stated that flushing lumens is no longer recommended unless the manufacture recommends, but I still think it is prudent to make sure no fibers from pipe cleaners are left in the lumen by flushing with water.
Thanks for your feedback!
jrc
10-11-2011, 01:15 PM
At what point are you flushing the lumens? Is this before sterilization?
jtruitt
10-12-2011, 06:56 AM
Yes this is in assembly prior to sterilization.
jrc
10-13-2011, 10:06 AM
I have never flushed lumens after washing them. It seems to me that if you flush right after you brush you should be set.
jtruitt
10-14-2011, 05:53 AM
According to previous AAMI standards flushing of lumens was required to facilitate the steam reaching the inside of the lumen and to makes sure all traces of cleaning products are removed. Tap water can contains chemicals that hinder the sterilization process and could be detrimental to the patient. Your washer manufacturer may advise to use distilled or deionized water for the last rinse in the washers. The deionized system is very expensive to purchase and maintain therefore many hospitals do not have this technology. Luckily we will be installing this system with a construction project.
With all this said....the new ST79 AAMI standards 2010 states to follow manufacturer's guidelines regarding lumen flushing. If you do not have the standards, you are missing out. It has a lot of great information to help keep patients safe.
autoclave1
10-23-2011, 08:40 AM
In order for the water to remain sterile, you will have to keep its temperature at, or above 160F. Once the seal of the container is broken, bacteria has the ability to start forming.