A Study for Safe Storage Time and Cost Analysis for Sterilized Products

Choi, Jeong Sil; Kim, Keun Soon

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The shelf life should be determined by health care facility's infection control program. The current standards for preserving the sterility can be changing. So, to measure and compare the recontamination time of sterile packs among wrappers and storage conditions, and develop a practical standard for the shelf life and storage conditions of sterile products. The purpose of this study was placed on measurement of the recontamination time in packs wrapped in all kinds of wrapping materials used in Il-San hospital and extra-costs.
METHODS
The first phase study was from June to November 2002 and tile second phase study was planned to extend further the shelf life of the pouch bag from December 2002 to June 2003. Total 504 sterile sample packs containing cotton ball (5 cm-length) prepared and wrapped in four wrapping materials (randomized reprocessed two folds of lines, a fold of new craft paper, a fold of new nonwoven fabric, a fold of new pouch bag) and stored in three location (open shell of one of typical wards, open shelf of one of ICUs, open shelf of CSSD). Each type of packs were opened weekly and the cotton balls inoculated into thioglycollate broth at 35degrees C for seven days by infection control nurse. The temperature and relative humidity was monitored monthly.
RESULTS
There was on growth found for any types of the pack and storage conditions studied. The temperature and relative humidity of storage locations were 24.8degrees C and 35.5 %. The extra-cost of reprocessing in Ethylene-Oxide gas sterilization was \32,800,000 and Steam sterilization was \36,900,000 by year.
CONCLUSION
This study was conducted in attempt to identify the possibility of extending the current shelf life for sterile goods we use in a sense of cost effectiveness. It was possible to extend shelf life from four weeks to six months in the study hospital. We are going to continue this study and take all steps need to apply this new concept to our practice, and then trying to extend to other hospitals.