A survey to quantify wet loads after steam sterilisation processes in healthcare facilities

Publication date: Available online 24 May 2019Source: Journal of Hospital InfectionAuthor(s): Josephus P.C.M. van Doornmalen, Francesco Tessarolo, Nicole Lapanaitis, Krist Henrotin, Agostino Inglese, Harry Oussoren, Rafael Queiroz de SouzaSummaryWet loads after steam sterilisation of medical devices in health care facilities are unacceptable. However, little is known about their frequency in daily practice. Via four national sterilisation associations, in Australia (VIC SRACA), Belgium (VSZ), Italy (AIOS), and the Netherlands (VDSMH), an online survey was distributed. 78% of 125 hospital sterilisation facilities recognised wet loads, occurring at frequencies ranging from monthly to every load. Usually, wet loads were identified by the presence of water droplets; these loads were repacked and re-sterilised. Given the pervasiveness of wet loads, and their impact loads on reprocessing times and costs, strategies to reduce their frequency are needed.
Source: Journal of Hospital Infection - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research