Choosing a Method for Three Devices

In practice

The first device is a set of stainless-steel retractors. They enter sterile tissue, so they are critical items and must be sterile. They tolerate heat and moisture, so steam is the preferred method: dependable, fast and nontoxic. Their manufacturer's instructions confirm a standard steam cycle. The second device is a rigid camera head for minimally invasive surgery, with electronics that cannot tolerate steam. It is also a critical item. Its manufacturer lists a hydrogen peroxide gas plasma cycle as validated, so the processing team uses that cycle, making sure the item is completely dry and packaged in a material the method accepts, not linen or paper. The third device is a reusable instrument with a long, narrow internal channel, also heat-sensitive. The team checks its manufacturer's instructions closely, because long lumens are hard for every method to reach. The instructions specify thorough channel cleaning, then a particular low-temperature method and cycle. The team follows them exactly, including the required connectors and accessories. For each of the three devices, the classification set the goal, sterility; the device's materials narrowed the choice of method; and the manufacturer's tested instructions made the final decision.