Effects of steam sterilization on the contents of sharps containers.

BACKGROUND

One form of medical waste known to be capable of transmitting disease is the contaminated sharp. Safe handling and disposal of sharps is an essential element of any infection control program. Many areas allow the on-site treatment of sharps containers. However, little information currently exists as to the most effective sterilization procedures and container designs.

METHODS

This study was intended to evaluate the effect treatment with various autoclaves had on bacterial endospores present on strips or needled syringes. Strips contained 1.7 x 10(5) Bacillus stearothermophilus spores; syringes were soiled with equal numbers of spores or with spores plus blood. Syringes were tested capped and uncapped. A gravity-displacement autoclave and a high-vacuum autoclave were used. Strips and syringes were placed within sharps containers three quarters filled with representative materials. Six types of containers were tested. Containers were processed sitting up or on their sides. Processed strips and needles were aerobically cultured at 56 degrees C for 7 days. If sterilization was not accomplished initially, additional exposure time was added.

RESULTS

(1) Soiled syringes were more difficult to sterilize than strips. (2) Capping or the presence of blood did not affect sterilization efficiency. (3) Container positioning was important only for the gravity-displacement autoclave. (4) Additional exposure time was required in the gravity displacement autoclave when sterilizing soiled syringes but not strips. (5) High-vacuum autoclaving killed all spore challenges within the normal processing interval.

CONCLUSIONS

The data indicate that processing of sharps containers within a gravity-displacement autoclave appears to require extended exposure intervals to achieve sterilization.