Benchtop steriliser water and steam quality specifications.

[Beth Bint]

Hi All

Hoping someone can offer some advice.

We have not be able to find definitive specifications for water and steam quality required for benchtop sterilisers (Dental Autoclaves).

We have two questions:

1. Some manufacturers suggest the use of distilled or de-ionised water. If a water distiller is used how is the water quality controlled when refilling the reservoir?

2. What are the steam quality specifications for benchtop sterilisers, and where is the reference for these?

Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

Beth

Beth Bint

Clinical Nurse Consultant | Infection Management and Control Service
Level 1 Lawson House, Wollongong Hospital 2500, NSW
Tel. 02 4222 5869 | Fax. 02 4222 5367 | beth.bint@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au

[cid:image001.jpg@01CE40F2.33F57270]

———————————————————————————————

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, South East Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (Randwick Campus) Confidentiality Notice

This email, and the files transmitted with it, are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are not permitted to distribute or use this email or any of its attachments in any way. We also request that you advise the sender of the incorrect addressing.

This email message has been virus-scanned. Although no computer viruses were detected, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, South East Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (Randwick Campus) accept no liability for any consequential damage resulting from email containing any computer viruses.

Messages posted to this list are solely the opinion of the authors, and do not represent the opinion of ACIPC.

Archive of all messages are available at http://aicalist.org.au/archives – registration and login required.

Replies to this message will be directed back to the list. To create a new message send an email to aicalist@aicalist.org.au

To send a message to the list administrator send an email to aicalist-request@aicalist.org.au.

You can unsubscribe from this list be sending ‘signoff aicalist’ (without the quotes) to listserv@aicalist.org.au

[McEwan, Melissa MS]

UNCLASSIFIED

Hi Beth
I am not an expert in this area but I know that the staff use distilled
water in the Lisa sterilisers that are used in dental .
The steam quality specifications – isn’t this your Bowie Dick and Helix
test.
The water reservoir in the Lisa is cleaned following the manufacturer
instructions ( I believe this is an alcohol solution)
If you need any further help with this, I can put you in touch with the
dental manager
Regards

Melissa McEwan RN, BN, Grad Cert Infect Control
Quality Manager
Contractor to Defence
Wagga Wagga
02 69338338
Private mobile 0428 753783
melissa.mcewan@defence.gov.au

and is subject to the jurisdiction of section 70 of the Crimes Act 1914.
If you have received this email in error, you are requested to contact
the sender and delete the email.

________________________________

Behalf Of Beth Bint

Hi All

Hoping someone can offer some advice.

We have not be able to find definitive specifications for water and
steam quality required for benchtop sterilisers (Dental Autoclaves).

We have two questions:

1. Some manufacturers suggest the use of distilled or de-ionised
water. If a water distiller is used how is the water quality controlled
when refilling the reservoir?

2. What are the steam quality specifications for benchtop
sterilisers, and where is the reference for these?

Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

Beth

Beth Bint

Clinical Nurse Consultant | Infection Management and Control Service
Level 1 Lawson House, Wollongong Hospital 2500, NSW
Tel. 02 4222 5869 | Fax. 02 4222 5367 |
beth.bint@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au

http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/images/communications/e-signatures/images/N
SW-Health-Illawarra-Shoalhaven-LHD.jpg

————————————————————————
———————

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, South East Sydney Local
Health District and Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (Randwick Campus)
Confidentiality Notice

This email, and the files transmitted with it, are confidential and
intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are
addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are not permitted
to distribute or use this email or any of its attachments in any way. We
also request that you advise the sender of the incorrect addressing.

This email message has been virus-scanned. Although no computer viruses
were detected, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, South East
Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Children’s Hospital Network
(Randwick Campus) accept no liability for any consequential damage
resulting from email containing any computer viruses.
Messages posted to this list are solely the opinion of the authors, and
do not represent the opinion of ACIPC.

Archive of all messages are available at http://aicalist.org.au/archives
– registration and login required.

Replies to this message will be directed back to the list. To create a
new message send an email to aicalist@aicalist.org.au

To send a message to the list administrator send an email to
aicalist-request@aicalist.org.au.

You can unsubscribe from this list be sending ‘signoff aicalist’
(without the quotes) to listserv@aicalist.org.au

Messages posted to this list are solely the opinion of the authors, and do not represent the opinion of ACIPC.

Archive of all messages are available at http://aicalist.org.au/archives – registration and login required.

Replies to this message will be directed back to the list. To create a new message send an email to aicalist@aicalist.org.au

To send a message to the list administrator send an email to aicalist-request@aicalist.org.au.

You can unsubscribe from this list be sending ‘signoff aicalist’ (without the quotes) to listserv@aicalist.org.au

[Anonymous]

Hi Beth,

Distilled or deionised water is used in the reservoir to limit the
contaminants in the steam generated – particularly in terms of the chemical
purity, however the microbiological purity may still be a concern,
particularly in situations where water sits for prolonged periods of time.

I have issues with electrically operated water distillers as they are rarely
cleaned nor is the microbiological purity or endotoxin levels ever
monitored. I prefer people to buy in distilled water, as there should be
quality control systems in place from the manufacturer of this product.

Steam quality is not typically monitored on small steam sterilisers. This
would be very difficult to do.

The Bowie-Dick type test is an air removal and steam penetration test. Some
products indicate that the result can be used to indicate steam quality –
i.e. wet or superheated steam conditions, however this is not the primary
function of the test.

Regards

Terry McAuley

Sterilisation & Infection Control Consultant

STEAM Consulting

E: terry@steamconsulting.com.au

W: http://www.steamconsulting.com.au

A: PO BOX 779

Endeavour Hills

VIC Australia 3802

CONFIDENTIAL COMMUNICATION: The information contained in this message may
contain confidential information intended only for the use of the individual
or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended
recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or
duplication of this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you have
received this communication in error, please notify us by telephone or email
immediately and return the original message to us or destroy all printed and
electronic copies. Nothing in this transmission constitutes an agreement of
any kind unless otherwise expressly indicated.

Of McEwan, Melissa MS
[SEC=UNCLASSIFIED]

UNCLASSIFIED

Hi Beth

I am not an expert in this area but I know that the staff use distilled
water in the Lisa sterilisers that are used in dental .

The steam quality specifications – isn’t this your Bowie Dick and Helix
test.

The water reservoir in the Lisa is cleaned following the manufacturer
instructions ( I believe this is an alcohol solution)

If you need any further help with this, I can put you in touch with the
dental manager

Regards

Melissa McEwan RN, BN, Grad Cert Infect Control

Quality Manager

Contractor to Defence

Wagga Wagga

02 69338338

Private mobile 0428 753783

melissa.mcewan@defence.gov.au

is subject to the jurisdiction of section 70 of the Crimes Act 1914. If you
have received this email in error, you are requested to contact the sender
and delete the email.

_____

Of Beth Bint

Hi All

Hoping someone can offer some advice.

We have not be able to find definitive specifications for water and steam
quality required for benchtop sterilisers (Dental Autoclaves).

We have two questions:

1. Some manufacturers suggest the use of distilled or de-ionised
water. If a water distiller is used how is the water quality controlled
when refilling the reservoir?

2. What are the steam quality specifications for benchtop sterilisers,
and where is the reference for these?

Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

Beth

Beth Bint

Clinical Nurse Consultant | Infection Management and Control Service
Level 1 Lawson House, Wollongong Hospital 2500, NSW
Tel. 02 4222 5869 | Fax. 02 4222 5367 | beth.bint@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au

http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/images/communications/e-signatures/images/NSW-H
ealth-Illawarra-Shoalhaven-LHD.jpg

—————————————————————————-
—————–

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, South East Sydney Local Health
District and Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (Randwick Campus)
Confidentiality Notice

This email, and the files transmitted with it, are confidential and intended
solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed.
If you are not the intended recipient, you are not permitted to distribute
or use this email or any of its attachments in any way. We also request that
you advise the sender of the incorrect addressing.

This email message has been virus-scanned. Although no computer viruses were
detected, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, South East Sydney
Local Health District and Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (Randwick
Campus) accept no liability for any consequential damage resulting from
email containing any computer viruses.

Messages posted to this list are solely the opinion of the authors, and do
not represent the opinion of ACIPC.

Archive of all messages are available at http://aicalist.org.au/archives –
registration and login required.

Replies to this message will be directed back to the list. To create a new
message send an email to aicalist@aicalist.org.au

To send a message to the list administrator send an email to
aicalist-request@aicalist.org.au.

You can unsubscribe from this list be sending ‘signoff aicalist’ (without
the quotes) to listserv@aicalist.org.au

Messages posted to this list are solely the opinion of the authors, and do
not represent the opinion of ACIPC.

Archive of all messages are available at http://aicalist.org.au/archives –
registration and login required.

Replies to this message will be directed back to the list. To create a new
message send an email to aicalist@aicalist.org.au

To send a message to the list administrator send an email to
aicalist-request@aicalist.org.au.

You can unsubscribe from this list be sending ‘signoff aicalist’ (without
the quotes) to listserv@aicalist.org.au

Messages posted to this list are solely the opinion of the authors, and do not represent the opinion of ACIPC.

Archive of all messages are available at http://aicalist.org.au/archives – registration and login required.

Replies to this message will be directed back to the list. To create a new message send an email to aicalist@aicalist.org.au

To send a message to the list administrator send an email to aicalist-request@aicalist.org.au.

You can unsubscribe from this list be sending ‘signoff aicalist’ (without the quotes) to listserv@aicalist.org.au

[Roel Castillo]

Hi Beth

Please refer to AS 4815 for office based reprocessing and AS 4187 for healthcare facilities reprocessing of reusable medical devices. Bowie Dick test and Helix test are process challenges to ascertain your sterilisers function as required, depending on the steriliser, BD is used to measure air removal and steam penetration, helix challenges the efficacy of the method in attaining the set parameters for sterilisation.
Steam quality as required should have 97% dryness fraction and water quality in today’s standards would recommend RO quality, but in the current standards it does not require it yet. A good perusal of the aforementioned standards is worthwhile.

Cheers

Roel Castillo
Project Officer – SSD

UNCLASSIFIED
Hi Beth

I am not an expert in this area but I know that the staff use distilled water in the Lisa sterilisers that are used in dental .

The steam quality specifications – isn’t this your Bowie Dick and Helix test.

The water reservoir in the Lisa is cleaned following the manufacturer instructions ( I believe this is an alcohol solution)

If you need any further help with this, I can put you in touch with the dental manager

Regards

Melissa McEwan RN, BN, Grad Cert Infect Control
Quality Manager
Contractor to Defence
Wagga Wagga
02 69338338
Private mobile 0428 753783
melissa.mcewan@defence.gov.au

________________________________
Hi All

Hoping someone can offer some advice.

We have not be able to find definitive specifications for water and steam quality required for benchtop sterilisers (Dental Autoclaves).

We have two questions:

1. Some manufacturers suggest the use of distilled or de-ionised water. If a water distiller is used how is the water quality controlled when refilling the reservoir?

2. What are the steam quality specifications for benchtop sterilisers, and where is the reference for these?

Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

Beth

Beth Bint

Clinical Nurse Consultant | Infection Management and Control Service
Level 1 Lawson House, Wollongong Hospital 2500, NSW
Tel. 02 4222 5869 | Fax. 02 4222 5367 | beth.bint@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au

[http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/images/communications/e-signatures/images/NSW-Health-Illawarra-Shoalhaven-LHD.jpg]

———————————————————————————————

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, South East Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (Randwick Campus) Confidentiality Notice

This email, and the files transmitted with it, are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are not permitted to distribute or use this email or any of its attachments in any way. We also request that you advise the sender of the incorrect addressing.

This email message has been virus-scanned. Although no computer viruses were detected, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, South East Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (Randwick Campus) accept no liability for any consequential damage resulting from email containing any computer viruses.

Messages posted to this list are solely the opinion of the authors, and do not represent the opinion of ACIPC.

Archive of all messages are available at http://aicalist.org.au/archives – registration and login required.

Replies to this message will be directed back to the list. To create a new message send an email to aicalist@aicalist.org.au

To send a message to the list administrator send an email to aicalist-request@aicalist.org.au.

You can unsubscribe from this list be sending ‘signoff aicalist’ (without the quotes) to listserv@aicalist.org.au

______________________________________________________________________
This email has been scanned by the Symantec Email Security.cloud service.
For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com
______________________________________________________________________
Messages posted to this list are solely the opinion of the authors, and do not represent the opinion of ACIPC.

Archive of all messages are available at http://aicalist.org.au/archives – registration and login required.

Replies to this message will be directed back to the list. To create a new message send an email to aicalist@aicalist.org.au

To send a message to the list administrator send an email to aicalist-request@aicalist.org.au.

You can unsubscribe from this list be sending ‘signoff aicalist’ (without the quotes) to listserv@aicalist.org.au

______________________________________________________________________
This email has been scanned by the Symantec Email Security.cloud service.
For more information please visit http://www.symanteccloud.com
______________________________________________________________________

Messages posted to this list are solely the opinion of the authors, and do not represent the opinion of ACIPC.

Archive of all messages are available at http://aicalist.org.au/archives – registration and login required.

Replies to this message will be directed back to the list. To create a new message send an email to aicalist@aicalist.org.au

To send a message to the list administrator send an email to aicalist-request@aicalist.org.au.

You can unsubscribe from this list be sending ‘signoff aicalist’ (without the quotes) to listserv@aicalist.org.au

[Beth Bint]

Thank you all for the information and advice you have provided. It has been very helpful.

Beth

Beth Bint

Clinical Nurse Consultant | Infection Management and Control Service
Level 1 Lawson House, Wollongong Hospital 2500, NSW
Tel. 02 4222 5869 | Fax. 02 4222 5367 | beth.bint@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au

[cid:image001.jpg@01CE4293.33FF5400]

From: ACIPC Infexion Connexion [mailto:AICALIST@AICALIST.ORG.AU] On Behalf Of Beth Bint
Sent: Wednesday, 24 April 2013 2:05 PM
To: AICALIST@AICALIST.ORG.AU
Subject: Benchtop steriliser water and steam quality specifications.

Hi All

Hoping someone can offer some advice.

We have not be able to find definitive specifications for water and steam quality required for benchtop sterilisers (Dental Autoclaves).

We have two questions:

1. Some manufacturers suggest the use of distilled or de-ionised water. If a water distiller is used how is the water quality controlled when refilling the reservoir?

2. What are the steam quality specifications for benchtop sterilisers, and where is the reference for these?

Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

Beth

Beth Bint

Clinical Nurse Consultant | Infection Management and Control Service
Level 1 Lawson House, Wollongong Hospital 2500, NSW
Tel. 02 4222 5869 | Fax. 02 4222 5367 | beth.bint@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au

[cid:image001.jpg@01CE40F2.33F57270]

———————————————————————————————

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, South East Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (Randwick Campus) Confidentiality Notice

This email, and the files transmitted with it, are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are not permitted to distribute or use this email or any of its attachments in any way. We also request that you advise the sender of the incorrect addressing.

This email message has been virus-scanned. Although no computer viruses were detected, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, South East Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (Randwick Campus) accept no liability for any consequential damage resulting from email containing any computer viruses.

Messages posted to this list are solely the opinion of the authors, and do not represent the opinion of ACIPC.

Archive of all messages are available at http://aicalist.org.au/archives – registration and login required.

Replies to this message will be directed back to the list. To create a new message send an email to aicalist@aicalist.org.au

To send a message to the list administrator send an email to aicalist-request@aicalist.org.au.

You can unsubscribe from this list be sending ‘signoff aicalist’ (without the quotes) to listserv@aicalist.org.au

———————————————————————————————

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, South East Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (Randwick Campus) Confidentiality Notice

This email, and the files transmitted with it, are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are not permitted to distribute or use this email or any of its attachments in any way. We also request that you advise the sender of the incorrect addressing.

This email message has been virus-scanned. Although no computer viruses were detected, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, South East Sydney Local Health District and Sydney Children’s Hospital Network (Randwick Campus) accept no liability for any consequential damage resulting from email containing any computer viruses.

Messages posted to this list are solely the opinion of the authors, and do not represent the opinion of ACIPC.

Archive of all messages are available at http://aicalist.org.au/archives – registration and login required.

Replies to this message will be directed back to the list. To create a new message send an email to aicalist@aicalist.org.au

To send a message to the list administrator send an email to aicalist-request@aicalist.org.au.

You can unsubscribe from this list be sending ‘signoff aicalist’ (without the quotes) to listserv@aicalist.org.au

[Author]

Posts