title: Microwave sterilization of polyethylene catheters for intermittent self-catheterization.
abstract: A standard household 650 W microwave oven was used to sterilize polyethylene catheters of the type used for intermittent self-catheterization. The catheters were infected with Proteus sp. bacteria and microwaved at 650 W for periods of 2, 4, 6 and 8 minutes. The effect of microwaving was assessed by determining the resultant colony counts following catheter culture. It was determined that 6 minutes of microwaving were required to achieve sterility. It is suggested that use of a microwave oven is a reliable and cost-effective method of sterilizing polyethylene catheters for intermittent self-catheterization.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Wellington School of Medicine, New Zealand.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Griffith
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Nacey
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Delahunt
mesh_terms: D002404:Catheterization; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008872:Microwaves / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011095:Polyethylenes; D011512:Proteus Infections / Q000628:therapy*; D012646:Self Administration; D013242:Sterilization
chemical_list: D011095:Polyethylenes