C. General Information on Selection and Use of Germicides for Medical Device Reprocessing
Choose a germicide with the level of microbicidal activity appropriate for the reusable device and its intended clinical application. Follow the reusable device
labeling and standard institutional practices. In the absence of complete instructions, use the following guidance:
First, for patient contacting devices determine whether the reusable device to be reprocessed is a critical or semi-critical device.
• Critical Device: Presents a high risk of infection if not sterile. Routinely penetrates the skin or mucus membranes during use or is otherwise used in
normally sterile tissue of the body.
• Semi-critical Device: Makes contact with mucus membranes, but does not ordinarily penetrate sterile areas of the body.
Second, determine if sterilization is required. A sterilant is an agent that destroys all viable forms of microbial life, when used according to labeling.
• Critical Reusable Devices: Must be sterilized between uses.
• Semi-critical Reusable Devices: Should also be sterilized between uses whenever practical, but at a minimum, high level disinfection is acceptable.
Third, select a germicide that is labeled for the appropriate microbicidal activity level and is compatible with the reusable device. Follow directions for the
germicide.
D. Microbicidal Activity of S40 Sterilant Concentrate
Peracetic acid, the active ingredient in S40 Sterilant Concentrate, has been shown to attack and inactivate many different cellular mechanisms to achieve its
microbicidal activity1. It is thought to act primarily as an oxidizing agent. Its activity was demonstrated under worst case conditions in performance and simulated-
use testing. S40 Sterilant Concentrate has been shown to be effective against the following organisms:
1Block, S. ed., Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation. 5th edition, 2001
Spores: Vegetative Organisms: Fungi: Viruses:
• Bacillus subtilis • Mycobacterium terrae • Trichophyton mentagrophytes • Herpes simplex Type 1
• Clostridium sporogenes • Staphylococcus aureus • Adenovirus Type 5
• Geobacillus stearothermophilus • Salmonella enterica • Poliovirus Type 1
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa
The sterilant has also been shown to be effective in clinical (in-use) studies.
E. Device Compatibility
With S40 Sterilant Concentrate, when used in the SYSTEM 1E or SYSTEM 1 endo Liquid Chemical Sterilant Processing System, the processed devices,
including heat-sensitive flexible and rigid endoscopes, cameras, and light guide cables, were tested for material compatibility. These devices were composed
of the following materials:
• Polyurethane • Teflon® (DuPont Company) • Nickel-plated brass • Viton® (DuPont Performance Elastomers)
• Rubber • Polyethylene • Silicon • Acetal
• Glass • Stainless steel • Polyvinyl chloride • Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS)
• Anodized aluminum • Polycarbonate • Polypropylene • Adhesives
The devices were subjected to 300 standard liquid chemical sterilization cycles. The devices were then evaluated visually for any change, damage, or corrosion,
and tested for loss of functionality (for example, optical bundle integrity, optical image, distal tip angulation, leak testing, and ability to provide light).
Exposure to 300 liquid chemical sterilization cycles had no effect on the functionality of the representative flexible endoscopes, rigid endoscopes, cameras, or
light cables tested. The following cosmetic change was noted: progressive loss of black anodized aluminum coloration without underlying damage to the base
metal.
Because working devices were evaluated, the testing supports the compatibility of the use dilution of S40 Sterilant Concentrate with finished devices.
Material compatibility testing by STERIS with S40 Steriliant Concentrate is ongoing. Contact endoscope manufacturers regarding compatibility of their devices
and device materials with S40 Sterilant Concentrate. For a current list of devices that are compatible with the SYSTEM 1E or SYSTEM 1 endo Processor, see
the Device Compatibility Matrix at www.steris.com.
F. Directions for Use
1. Operators must follow all instructions provided in the following:
• The Operator Manual for the SYSTEM 1E or SYSTEM 1 endo Liquid Chemical Sterilant Processing System for use and routine maintenance of the
system.
• The Quick Connect Processing Instructions for the liquid chemical sterilization of specific lumened devices using the indicated Quick Connect.
• The reusable device manufacturer’s labeling for recommendations on disassembly, cleaning, leak testing, and reprocessing methods.
• OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogens Universal Precautions when cleaning and placing medical devices in the Processor.
Medical devices MUST BE THOROUGHLY CLEANED and RINSED according to manufacturers’ recommendations prior to liquid chemical sterilization.
2. Operators must observe the following safety measures for peracetic acid:
• The 35% peracetic acid used in this product is a corrosive liquid due to its low pH. The container is designed to minimize user contact with the contents,
but PPE should be used when handling the sterilant concentrate.
• The sterilant concentrate should be used in a well ventilated room. Conformance to AAMI ST58: Chemical Sterilization and High-Level Disinfection in
Healthcare Facilities is recommended.
3. Prior to Insertion of S40 Sterilant Concentrate:
• Carefully inspect the sterilant carton for evidence of damage. If damaged, follow the disposal instructions listed in this package insert.
• Check that the manufacturer’s expiration date has not lapsed.
• Open the carton at the tear notch and remove the sterilant container.
• Visually check the sterilant container. If leaking or damaged, follow the disposal instructions in this package insert.
4. Insert S40 Sterilant Concentrate into the Processor and Process the Load:
• S40 Sterilant Concentrate is a single use sterilant. A new container of S40 Sterilant Concentrate must be used for each liquid chemical sterilization
cycle.
• Install the appropriate processing tray needed for the type of devices to be liquid chemically sterilized into the chamber of the Processor.
• Insert S40 Sterilant Concentrate into the sterilant container well located in the lower right-hand corner of the processing tray.
• Press down firmly until the sterilant container is seated. Never slam the container into the sterilant compartment.
• Line up the tip of the aspirator probe over the center of the sterilant container lid. Insert the probe in a downward motion until the top of the aspirator is
resting on the lid of the container. Make sure the tubing is not kinked.
• Start the liquid chemical sterilization cycle according to the Operator Manual for the Processor.
• The processed devices are automatically rinsed during the liquid chemical sterilization cycle.
G. Sterilant Container Disposal Information
Following a successful liquid chemical sterilization cycle, dispose of empty sterilant containers in the trash (no special precautions are required).
To dispose of partially filled, leaking, damaged, or expired sterilant containers, put on appropriate personal protective equipment (chemical-resistant gloves,
apron, goggles or face shield, and any other protection required by facility procedures). Wear protective attire for the entire procedure. Perform one of the
following three disposal procedures or follow facility guidelines for disposal of hazardous waste. To contain the powders and/or liquid until time of disposal, place
the partially filled, leaking, damaged or expired sterilant container in a sink, bag, box or other suitable receptacle. Use either the automated or manual disposal
method as described below. Dispose of each sterilant container one at a time.
1. Automated Disposal (preferred method)
IMPORTANT: Automated disposal method should not be used if there are no dry powders in the container.
a. Place the partially filled, leaking, damaged, or expired sterilant container in the sterilant container well in the Processor.
b. Do not place a medical device in the processor.
c. Press down until the sterilant container is firmly seated.
d. Line up the tip of the aspirator probe over the center of the sterilant container lid. Insert the probe in a downward motion until the top of the
aspirator is resting on the lid of the container. Make sure the tubing is not kinked.
e. Start the liquid chemical sterilization cycle according to the Operator Manual.
f. Dispose of the empty sterilant container in the trash.
If the Processor is unavailable, isolate the partially filled, leaking, damaged, or expired sterilant container until the processor is available or perform a manual
disposal as described below.
2. Manual Disposal - Check facility procedures, local and state regulations for waste diposal requirements.
a. Increase room ventilation to remove any strong, tear-producing vapors.
b. Carefully handle the partially filled, leaking, damaged, or expired sterilant container and place upside down on a flat surface or in a sink. Note:
If the sterilant container is inside a carton, place the entire carton under running water and remove the sterilant container from the carton. Treat
the sterilant container as instructed above. Rinse the cardboard carton thoroughly before disposing of it in the trash.
c. In a deep sink, place a bucket filled with at least 2 gallons (8 L) of tap water.
d. With the sterilant container placed upside down on a flat surface, grasp the sterilant container firmly and, using a blunt object (brush handle,
marking pen, hemostats, etc.), push the sterilant container’s “pop-out” plug into the sterilant container. (See Figure 1)
e. Gently shake the contents (dry powders) into the bucket of water. Avoid inhaling or contacting contents.
f. Using a long object suitable for stirring liquids (a metal/glass/plastic rod) stir until the contents are dissolved.
g. Submerge the sterilant container into the bucket containing the dissolved powders.
h. Using a pair of scissors, carefully cut through the lid at the center and then into the inner cup. Allow the acid to mix with the water and dissolved
powders in the bucket. (See Figure 2)
i. With the cold water running, carefully pour the solution down the sink drain.
j. Flush the bucket and sink with a large quantity of cold tap water.
k. Thoroughly rinse the sterilant container and inner cup and then dispose of them in the trash.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 1
IMPORTANT: A small
puff of powder may
escape from bottom of
the sterilant container.