N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43G-8.11

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 23, December 2, 2024

Section 8:43G-8.11 - Sterilizer patient services

(a) All hinged instruments shall be sterilizer processed in an open position.

(b) All instruments and equipment shall be visually inspected for cracks, pitting, rust, or any condition that would impede cleaning/sterilization. Defective instruments and equipment shall not be used.

(c) Sterilizers in use shall be cleaned on a scheduled basis.

(d) Sterilizer drains shall be flushed at least weekly, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.

(e) Sterilizer door gaskets shall provide effective sealing.

(f) A record of each sterilization/disinfection load, including the date, load/cycle number and the specific contents of the load shall be retained for a least one year or per hospital policy whichever is greater.

(g) Instruments and medical devices sterilized by ethylene oxide shall be aerated in a mechanical aerator according to manufacturer's recommendations, or if these recommendations are not available, they shall be aerated at 140 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of eight hours or at 122 degrees Fahrenheit for a minimum of 12 hours.

(h) An indicating thermometer, accurate to three degrees Fahrenheit, shall be located in all ethylene oxide aeration equipment.

(i) All sterilizers shall be operated and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:43G-8.11

Amended by R.1992 d.72, effective 2/18/1992.
See: 23 New Jersey Register 2590(a), 24 New Jersey Register 590(a).
Standards listed at (f)1-3 incorporated by reference.
Amended by R.2004 d.302, effective 8/2/2004.
See: 35 New Jersey Register 2847(a), 35 New Jersey Register 3782(a), 36 New Jersey Register 3538(a).
Rewrote the section.