Steris System 1 Processor: Australian Efficacy Trials Woden Valley Hospital

Abstract

A health problem affecting staff in operating rooms Australia wide, is the management of disinfectants used for heat sensitive instruments and accessories. The approach to the use of disinfectants represents a considerable investment in equipment costs, monitoring and staff time. The current approach in most operating rooms is to use glutaraldehyde as the principal disinfectant, however its vapour is an irritant and can cause dermatitis, sinusitis, conjunctivitis, rhinitis and asthma.