title: Sterilization of single-use helical stone baskets: an experimental study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To experimentally evaluate the efficacy of a standard sterilization protocol employed during reuse of disposable helical stone baskets.
  
  
  METHODS
  Study performed on 20 helical stone baskets: 10 were used in the initial validation process, contaminated with Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and imprinted on Müeller-Hinton media; 10 catheters were contaminated with Geobacillus stearothermophilus ATCC 7953, processed, inoculated in TSB and incubated in a water bath at a temperature of 55°C. Bacterial growth was evaluated after 1, 3, 5 and 7 days. After sterilization, stone baskets were also opened and closed 40 times to check for functional problems. All plastic and basket parts were carefully checked for damages.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After the 72-hour incubation period, there was growth of E. coli ATCC 25922 in 100% of imprints. After the sterilization process and up to 7 days incubation period on a blood agar plate, there was no growth of G. stearothermophilus ATCC 7953 or any other bacteria. There were no functional problems or damage to baskets after the sterilization process.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ethylene oxide system is efficacious and safe for sterilization of disposable helical stone baskets. However, further clinical studies are required and should provide more safety information.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo André, SP, BR.
authors.forename: Fernando
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Korkes
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BR.
authors.forename: Alex
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Menezes
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BR.
authors.forename: Cely Barreto da
authors.initials: CB
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BR.
authors.forename: Roni de Carvalho
authors.initials: Rde C
authors.lastname: Fernandes
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, BR.
authors.forename: Marjo Deninson Cardenuto
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Perez