Infection Control Today Magazine

Flash Sterilization

Immediate-Use Steam Sterilization: Best Practices

Immediate-use steam sterilization, formally referred to as flash sterilization, is currently a topic getting much attention by operating room and sterile processing personnel across the country. ...More
December 19, 2011
Posted in Articles, Disinfection & Sterilization
Immediate Use Sterilization: A Review of the Basics

Some habits die hard, but healthcare professionals should be making a concerted effort to use the term "immediate-use sterilization" instead of "flash sterilization" to describe a quick turnaround of an instrument, but more importantly, facilities must know when and why ...More
August 2, 2011
Posted in Articles, Disinfection & Sterilization
Addressing Fast Turnovers of Surgical Instrumentation

Turning surgical instrumentation over quickly for the operating room (OR) has always been, and may remain, a constant hot topic. It is a critical issue for several reasons. Flashing is not a viable option for non-emergencies. Capital funds for inventory are not as robust as ...More
January 24, 2011
Posted in Articles, Disinfection & Sterilization
Loaner Instrumentation: How to Turn a Horror Story Into a Happy Ending

Growing up, I became quite the horror movie buff. I recall Lon Chaney as the Wolfman, roaming the moors in search of his next victim, and Bela Lugosi’s Count Dracula who would strike fear in the hearts of Transylvanians – and moviegoers alike. And who can forget ...More
February 22, 2010
Posted in Articles, Disinfection & Sterilization
Revised AAMI Standard Addresses Risk Analysis, Other Hot Topics in Sterilization

As of press time in August, the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) was poised to release a major update of its steam sterilization standard, ST79, to incorporate new information on risk analysis and chemical indicators, among other topics. The ...More
August 26, 2009
Posted in Articles, Disinfection & Sterilization
AAMI Revises Steam Sterilization Standard

The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) will soon release a major update of its popular steam sterilization standard, ST79, to incorporate new information on risk analysis, chemical indicators, and other topics.The AAMI Standards Board and the ...More
July 17, 2009
Posted in News, Disinfection & Sterilization
Joint Commission Updates Position on Steam Sterilization and Flashing Cycles

The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) is reporting that the Joint Commission will now be looking more broadly at all of the critical processes included in sterilization when interpreting standards and surveying facilities, including processes for flash ...More
July 8, 2009
Posted in News, Disinfection & Sterilization
Common SPD Mistakes and How to Solve Them

ICT asked members of the disinfection and sterilization community to share what they believe to be some of the most common mistakes being made in the sterile processing department (SPD) and recommendations for how to improve practice. Nancy Chobin, RN, AAS, ACSP, CSPDM, a ...More
April 29, 2009
Posted in Articles, Disinfection & Sterilization, Environmental Hygiene
A Quick Guide to Flash Sterilization Considerations

Flash sterilization has been a debatable issue probably since its conception. The many issues relating to flash sterilization run from overuse to misuse all the way to the reportedly increased risk for postoperative infection and the accompanying increased costs ...More
April 16, 2008
Posted in Articles, Disinfection & Sterilization
Providing Safe Surgical Instruments: Factors to Consider

There are many steps involved with the preparation of sterile surgical instruments. All of these steps must be performed correctly to ensure a safe product for the patient. When shortcuts are taken, a failure in the process can result. Moreover, this failure may not be ...More
April 1, 2008
Posted in Articles, Disinfection & Sterilization