An economic analysis of the benefits of sterilizing medical instruments in low-temperature systems instead of steam.
Am J Infect Control
; 45(7): 756-760, 2017 Jul 01.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-28365144
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Hydrogen peroxide-based, low-temperature sterilization has been shown to do less damage to medical instruments than steam autoclaves. However, low-temperature systems are more expensive to run. Higher costs need to be balanced against savings from reduced repair costs to determine value for money when choosing how to sterilize certain instruments, which are able to be reprocessed in either system.METHODS:
This analysis examines the economic effects of using low-temperature sterilization systems to reprocess rigid and semi-rigid endoscopes, which are sensitive to heat and moisture, but still able to be sterilized using steam. It examines the changes to costs and frequency of repairs expected over 10 years, resulting from a choice to sterilize these instruments in a low-temperature system instead of steam.RESULTS:
Overall, the results showed that increased sterilization costs are outweighed by the savings associated with less frequent repairs. Over a 10-year period, in large health care facilities, the probability of achieving an internal rate of return of at least 6% is 0.81.CONCLUSIONS:
Our model shows it is likely to be a good decision for large health care facilities to invest in low-temperature sterilization systems.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Esterilização
/
Custos e Análise de Custo
/
Equipamentos e Provisões
Tipo de estudo:
Health_economic_evaluation
/
Prognostic_studies
Limite:
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Am J Infect Control
Ano de publicação:
2017
Tipo de documento:
Article