[Comparison between steam and gas sterilized optics. Costs, availability, maintenance].
METHODS
In a 300-bed acute-care hospital we compared optical instruments employed, for orthopedic, urological and gynecological operations during their use in practice. The comparison between 33 ethylene oxide(EO)-sterilized optical instruments and 14 steam-sterilized optical instruments took into account the following criteria: frequency of use; availability; sterilization cycles; kind, cost and number of repairs.


RESULTS
The 33 EO-sterilized optical instruments were handled 1043 times and were repaired 10 times (at a cost of up to 2000 SFR). The 14 steam-sterilized optical instruments were treated 1101 times and were repaired 8 times (2000 SFR). The total costs were 77,000 SFR for the 14 steam-sterilized instruments and 132,000 SFR for the 33 EO-sterilized instruments.


CONCLUSIONS
Steam-sterilization is a reasonable, safe and fast method of sterilizing optical instruments. We prefer this method, given its advantages (less toxicity, personal care and pollution control).
Conrad
C
C
Abteilung Labor/Apotheke, Spitalhygiene, Kantonsspital Schaffhausen.
Pem
M
M
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004868:Equipment Failure / Q000191:economics; D017743:Equipment Reuse / Q000191:economics; D005027:Ethylene Oxide / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D020706:Laparoscopes; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000295:instrumentation*; D055095:Optics and Photonics; D013227:Steam; D013242:Sterilization / Q000191:economics*; D013525:Surgical Instruments / Q000191:economics*; D013557:Switzerland
D013227:Steam; D005027:Ethylene Oxide