FLASH-GUARD
PRODUCT USE
To safely
transport unwrapped flash sterilized instruments in a closed system from the
sterilizer to the point of use, in keeping with the AAMI Recommended Practices
for Sterilization using the Unwrapped (Flash) Method.
FEATURES
AND BENEFITS
Maintains product sterility by
protecting Flash-Guard contents from airborne contamination and the greater the
instrument mass within the Flash-Guard, the longer the protection period. AORN Journal Feb. 1981 by Coleen K. Harvey,
RN and The AORN Professional Advisory Committee “Unwrapped metal instrument
sets containing no porous material can be steam sterilized at 270 degrees F for
three (3) minutes no matter how many instruments (under 16 lbs. Total weight)
are present”.
Permits flash sterilization of full
instrument sets, i.e. open heart, opthalmic, orthopedic, etc.
Heavy instrument sets can be placed on
a cart, table, ring stand upon removal from the autoclave thus eliminating the
need for staff to carry them.
Multiple sets can be sterilized at the
same time in one sterilizer.
Flash-Guard baskets can be placed on
the sterile field after autoclaving thus freeing up the Flash-Guard for another
use.
Flash-Guard insert baskets permit separation
of special or delicate instruments from others.
Maximizes sterilizer output. The Flash-Guard can be removed immediately
and set aside until the contents are needed thus freeing up the autoclave.
Operational simplicity with no need
for filters, thermotic valves, gloves, drapes, towels.
Flash-Guards not only pay for
themselves in less than a year, but they can also additionally save a facility
considerable money.
FLASH-GUARD
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE FLASH-GUARD TRANSPORT SYSTEM
Placed properly cleaned instruments into the Flash-Guard
Basket, and place the Basket into the Flash-Guard unit. NOTE: The Instrument Rack is used for one or two
items; the Insert Basket is used to separate sharps or delicate instruments and
sits inside the Basket.
Insert Flash Integrator through the open exhaust port and
position it under the basket or rack near the exhaust port, allowing the end of
the integrator to extend out through the opening.
Position the Flash-Guard in the autoclave with the exhaust
port in the fully open position, facing out toward the operator. Slide the lid forward so at least a three
(3) inch opening is created on the rear portion of the Flash-Guard unit. This is essential for proper steam
circulation.
Proceed with flash sterilization utilizing recommended
guidelines and following autoclave manufacturer’s operator instructions for
flash sterilization.
When the sterilization cycle is complete, open the sterilizer,
remove and read the integrator and place the integrator onto the lid.
Using the Universal Handles, slide the lid to closed
position, latch the exhaust port door, and remove the unit from the autoclave,
sliding onto the transfer cart. Lifting
the unit is not recommended or necessary.
The Flash-Guard unit is now ready for transport to the point of use.
To protect the sterilized contents of the Flash-guard when
the unit must be transported a distance, the air-tight, insulated Flash-Guard
Combo-Cart can be used. It is not
advisable to maintain flash-sterilized instruments in storage for longer than
necessary.
As with any sterilization process, Healthmark strongly
advises adherence to recommended practices as established in AAMI, AORN, JCAHO
and OSHA guidelines.
FLASH-GUARD STERILIZATION MONITORING
Air entrapment adversely effects steam sterilization. Unless steam is able to displace all of the
air within the sterilizer, Flash-Guard and contents, the temperature will be
cooler where air is present, with a high probability of sterilization failure.
Gravity displacement high speed (flash) steam autoclaves
rely upon the pressure of steam to displace all of the air down and out of
sterilizer exhaust opening in the front bottom of the chamber. The trap passes air-steam mixtures and
retains the pure steam, when working properly.
If the trap malfunctions and closes prior to complete air evacuation,
this situation is best identified by placing the integrator directly in close
proximity to the sterilizer air outlet.
The Flash-Guard operates exactly in synchronization with the
autoclave. If the sterilizer
malfunctions and entraps air, the Flash-guard will also. This is the reason for placing an integrator
just inside of the Flash-Guard exhaust port to achieve the most valid
test. If the integrator shows a cycle
failure, the test indicates trapped air within the autoclave. This can be verified with placement of
integrators in both the Flash-Guard and sterilizer exhausts. Both integrators indicating sterilization
failure is diagnostic of retained air.
GRAVITY DISPLACEMENT HIGH SPEED (FLASH) STEAM AUTOCLAVE
GRAVITY DISPLACEMENT HIGH SPEED (FLASH) STEAM AUTOCLAVE WITH
FLASH-GUARDS
Always have the Flash-Guard exhaust port open and facing the
front of the sterilizer - the lid displaced forward to be even with the open
exhaust door, as in the diagram. A
sterilization integrator should be placed onto the Flash-Guard exhaust port,
and read prior to removal of the Flash-Guard from the autoclave. It is highly recommended that the monitoring
strip be placed on top of the Flash-Guard lid to provide sterilization process
validation for the end user. Room
member, case number, surgeon, time and date must be written on the back to
assure confirmation of the appropriate destination.
FLASH-GUARD
SCIENTIFIC
PRINCIPLES RELATING TO POST-STERILIZATION
PRODUCT
PROTECTION
1. The Flash-Guard is a closed container
flash sterilization/transport system.
2. The lid displacement and open exhaust
port during the sterilization cycle provides a unit which functions in complete
synchronization with the sterilizer.
Uniquely, the Flash-Guard is the only contain system capable of sterilizing
full instrument sets 16 lbs. Or less of non-porous, non-cannulated instruments
at 270° F for three (3) minutes. For
cannulated and porous items, a ten (10) minute cycle is required. These sterilization parameters are identical
to the recommended practices of AAMI and AORN. NO OTHER COMPETITOR CAN MAKE THIS CLAIM.
3. Both the flash autoclave and the
Flash-Guard are exhausting steam when the clave door is opened. The escape of steam continues as long as the
temperature inside of the sterner and Flash-Guard remain higher than
atmospheric temperature. Charles’ Gas
Law further explains how positive pressure within the Flash-Guard, precludes
contamination from entering, while closing the exhaust port and replacing the
lid. These same principles offer
protection for the sterilized Flash-Guard contents after removal from the
sterilizer.
4. Shelf life is event related, but as long
as the Flash-Guard remains warmer than the environmental temperature, positive
pressure inside offers protection for the sterilized contents.
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