THERMO DIAGNOSTICS.
Wet Packs and SPD - Troubleshooting
Sterilizers and autoclaves are critical components in health care, life sciences, institutional, and research facilities... but since they are open-ended steam users, poor steam quality (water in the line) can cause major problems.
We perform steam quality testing according to ANSI/AAMI ST79, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities (2010), and European Standard EN285.
If you are experiencing wet packs, there are some basic troubleshooting steps you can take:
You can also read some of our articles about sterilizer wet packs, stains, and steam quality:
THERMO DIAGNOSTICS
Read some of our articles about sterilizer wet packs, stains, and steam quality:
What is steam quality and why is it important to the CS Department? The September 2008 issue of OR Today shows how steam is consumed by heating instruments and converted to liquid water.
Healthcare Purchasing News- The December 2013 issue reviews troubleshooting steps to take when stains occur on instruments after steam sterilization.
June 2007 issue of Materials Management in Healthcare - features questions and answers about steam quality, wet packs, and specks.
What does industry say about sterilizers and wet pack problems?
"Perhaps the most frustrating and confounding dilemma that we face using steam sterilization is the occurrence of wet packs...
"Wet packs represent an economic loss to the institution because goods
must be reprocessed. Unrecognized, they are a hazard to the patient."
- Preparing instruments, utensils and textiles for sterilization and wet pack solving, STERIS Inc. 2003.
ENGINEERING
Eliminate Steam Problems.
Thermo Diagnostics will work with your facility engineers to eliminate steam problems. This saves cost, time, effort and reduces staff complaints. Reduced "reprocessing" will improve productivity, service, and morale. The net result will be increased efficiency and quality of facility management.
How is Steam Quality Testing related to Wet Pack Troubleshooting?
ST-79 and EN-285 procedures develop data, and we test according to those procedures. What makes us different is we also test the rest of the valves, insulation, boiler piping and water supply that can impact steam quality.
You rely on the system to deliver steam that is clean, dry, and sterile... ...how do you figure out what's causing the problems? That's our job.
Independent, Confidential, Experienced.
We are not affiliated with any sterilizer or humidifier manufacturer.
Our audit staff average 30 years experience with steam in hospitals and life sciences.