Rodríguez GM, Pérez GM, Álvarez MCR

Language: Spanish
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ABSTRACT

Introduction. The current availability of sophisticated equipment sterilization and testing procedures is the result of years of study and experimentation by scientists and researchers. However, without a clear understanding of the monitoring procedures, the value of these technological advances is diminished. That’s why it was proposed to characterize the effectiveness of chemical integrators in steam sterilization under pressure process and determine, a specify sterilizations with biological indicators, and their results. Methods. A descriptive retrospective study was conducted in the sterilization center of a hospital where a sample of 48 chemical integrators were introduced in sets for invasive procedure from January to March 2016. Months, sterilization with chemical indicators, chemical integrators returned to the center for expiration date, chemical integrators in used sets and their results, and sterilizations with biological indicators, and their results were selected. The information was obtained through central controls, and medical records. A database in Excel XP was created, and its frequency was calculated in percent. Results. From January to July 2015, 144 sterilizations were performed all containing chemical indicators. 41,7% of sets were returned to the center for expiration date and processed in a chemical integrator. Of the 144 sterilizations with chemical indicators, 98 of them were monitored in parallel with biological indicators, not reporting positive. At the same time, the 58,3% was used in different procedures, with an optimal reading in all cases. 98 out of the 144 sterilizations were monitored also with biological indicators, without positive results. Conclusions. The chemical integrator used in instruments for invasive procedures, turned out to be a good indicator of quality and safety, reducing the risk of unnecessary harm associated with healthcare patients.