Kill Microorganisms on Instruments Safely, Efficiently, and Cost Effectively with 3M™ Steri-Vac™ Sterilizer/Aerator GS Series
Ideal for reprocessing long-lumen, flexible endoscopes Recent CRE1 outbreaks traced to inadequately processed duodenoscopes have highlighted the need for health care facilities to review cleaning and sterilization processes. In the case of a facility in northeastern Illinois, after the hospital changed its reprocessing procedure from automated high-level disinfection to ethylene oxide sterilization, no additional cases of CRE transmission were identified.2 Ethylene Oxide (EO) sterilization provides an overkill sterilization process which means that there is a large safety margin built in to the cycle.
For facilities looking for effective reprocessing methods for heat- and moisture-sensitive equipment, the new 3M™ Steri-Vac™ Sterilizer/Aerator GS Series may be the solution. Instruments made of sensitive materials require sterilization solutions that are both budget-friendly and effective at killing microorganisms; sterile processing managers require solutions to help them effectively manage the increasing complexity of instrument reprocessing.
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At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $32 billion in sales, our 90,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNewsroom.-Heather Smith – Quote
The 100 percent Ethylene Oxide (EO) sterilant used in the Steri-Vac sterilizer GS series effectively penetrates the complex geometries of instruments, such as long-lumen flexible endoscopes; many instruments that require low temperature sterilization can be sterilized using EO (always refer to the instrument manufacturers’ Instructions for Use (IFU) for validated sterilization modalities and cycles). EO is gentle on materials, which may extend the life of instruments or reduce the frequency or cost of repairs. EO has been safely used in the health care industry for more than 50 years, and EO has also been used in medical device, government, and other industries for decades. In fact, over half of all sterilized single-use medical products are sterilized with ethylene oxide, according to the Global Industry Analysts.3
At 3M, we apply science in collaborative ways to improve lives daily. With $32 billion in sales, our 90,000 employees connect with customers all around the world. Learn more about 3M’s creative solutions to the world’s problems at www.3M.com or on Twitter @3M or @3MNewsroom.
Heather Smith – Quote
The Steri-Vac sterilizer GS series is designed for staff safety. 3M™ Steri-Gas™ Cartridges, single-use EO gas cartridges, are punctured only when the sterilizer chamber door is sealed and the proper vacuum has been drawn, ensuring that gas stays safely inside the chamber. The entire sterilization cycle proceeds under vacuum (below atmospheric pressure) and minimum aeration is pre-programmed in each cycle. The GS series sterilizers also offer a color touch screen on the front panel that displays key information, making it easy for the operator to monitor the cycle.
