Re: Sterilization of Ir-192 Seeds in Nylon Tubing

[michael_coogen@hq2ccgw.hq.dla.mil]

     Bleach (Sodium Hyperchlorite) is not an acceptable procedure for 
     sterilization of any items for medical use.  Usually ethylene oxide is 
     the standard procedure for non-metalic items.  This is ususally 
     accomplished with a gas sterilization autoclave.  You might possibly 
     consider steam autoclaving sterilization.  I have steam sterilized 
     nylon tubing using steam autoclaving.  I would recommend that you 
     determine what pressure, temperature is need to render the HIV virus 
     inactive.  There are maybe other chemical available to perform 
     chemical sterilization, however, continue use of these products will 
     eventually degrade the nylon tubing.  Steam autoclave would be a 
     possible alternative, however, continue use of this method will 
     eventually degrade the tubing also.  Any major medical facility should 
     have a ethylene oxide autoclave.  This is usually an essential 
     standard equipment necessary to support operating room suites.
     
     mike coogen sends


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Sterilization of Ir-192 Seeds in Nylon Tubing
Author:  radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu at hq2ccgw
Date:    8/29/95 10:07 AM


Has anyone ever had to sterilize nylon tubing containing Ir-192 seeds for an 
HIV positive patient?  Our Radiation Oncology dept. wants to use bleach, but 
there is concern that it will degrade the nylon.  The company who 
manufactured the seeds says that they should only use gas sterilization, but 
for several reasons this is not currently an option.
     
Any information would be greatly appreciated.
     
     
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 Melanie Byers, Health Physicist   Vanderbilt Univ. Institutional Safety
byersmm@ctrvax.vanderbilt.edu     Radiation Safety Section
 (615)322-2057 (phone)             Nashville, TN 
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 This is my opinion only and does not necessarily reflect my employer's.