Central Service - Issue 6/2013
 NEWS UPDATE
- What's New in Standardisation: Shall - may - should - can
- Advancing knowledge - Signposting the future. WFHSS Congress in Antalya, Turkey, 6 - 9 November 2013
- International education project in sterile processing technique
- News from the Editorial Board. From Editor in Chief to Founding Editor - on the retirement of Prof. Dr. Peter Heeg
- International education project in sterile processing technique
- Technical Specification «AIDC supported clinical processes» compiled by the Joined Working Group of AIDC - EHIBCC, SPECTARIS and VDDI
ORIGINAL ARTICLES
L. Riik, R. R. Radandt, R. Jung, W. Vollmann, J. Landskron:
Physical-technical investigations into ultrasound-induced aerosol formation from ultrasonic baths used in the medical setting
Abstract
Ultrasonic baths (ultrasonic cleaners) are commonly used in hospitals and outpatient settings for cleaning and disinfection of medical instruments. Time and again the question is asked as to whether there is a likelihood of ultrasound-induced aerosol formation, and associated microbial emission into the room air, presenting a hazard to medical personnel. To date, there have only been isolated investigations into this issue, but these have produced contradictory findings. The aim of the present study was therefore to provide an answer, from a physical-technical perspective, as to whether personnel really faces this supposed risk. The results demonstrate that there is no physical evidence of ultrasound-induced aerosol formation from commercially available ultrasonic baths, when operated as instructed to process medical instruments, with typical ultrasonic frequencies of between 35 kHz and 40 kHz, power densities up to around 60 W/l and water temperatures up to 45 °C. The first particles were visually detected leaving the ultrasonic bath as from a water temperature of above 50 °C. It is recommended that a lid be used as from that temperature range.
Keywords:
ultrasound ultrasonic bath instrument processing aerosol formation occupational health and safety
DISCUSSION
J.P.C.M. van Doornmalen, A.G.M. Rietmeijer, A.J. Feilzer, K. Kopinga:
Monitoring of steam sterilization processes in the dental office
Abstract
In dental offices steam sterilization is used to prevent infection of staff and patient. The necessity of sterilization is obvious. To ensure effective sterilization processes each load has to be monitored. Based on literature and standards a state of the art concept of every load monitoring is described.
Keywords:
steam sterilisation dentist dental office monitoring every load monitoring
EXPERIENCE REPORT
I. Mislimi:
We must live with mistakes - but also learn from mistakes! Experiences with a software-based error management
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendations by the «Quality Task Group»: Release of medical devices after sterilization
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