Sterilize or not to sterilize? That’s a common question!

Posted on August 12, 2010 by AU Bankaitis

According to 29 CRF 1910.1030 (OSHA’s Bloodborne Pathogen Standard), critical instruments intended for reuse must be sterilized. By definition, a critical instrument refers to any instrument or object introduced into the bloodstream (e.g. needles), non-invasive instruments or objects that come in contact with mucous membranes or bodily fluids (e.g. blood, saliva, mucous, cerumen), and/or any instrument or object that can potentially penetrate the skin from use or misuse. In other words, any reusable instrument used for cerumen removal must be sterilized prior to reuse. Contaminated immittance probe tips should also be sterilized prior to reuse since these items inherently make contact with cerumen. For more information, access a basic infection control article by Kemp & Bankaitis.

About AU Bankaitis

A.U. Bankaitis, PhD is a clinical Audiologist with extensive clinical, research, and business experience within the hearing industry. She is Vice President of Oaktree Products, a multi-line distributor of audiology supplies and screening/diagnostic test equipment. Dr. Bankaitis created this blog to educate her colleagues and providers in the hearing health care industry on viable product solutions for their patients and/or clinical practice.
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6 Responses to Sterilize or not to sterilize? That’s a common question!

  1. Ashley H. says:
    February 20, 2014 at 1:52 pm

    I agree, and infection control practices vary a lot between rotations!

  2. Lana says:
    February 20, 2014 at 1:42 pm

    A higher emphasis should be placed on infection control in APs than what I’ve seen in my own rotations.

  3. Noël Crosby says:
    February 20, 2014 at 9:32 am

    Thanks for all the great info over the years!!!

  4. Pingback: A Sterilant by any other name will work as well….. | A.U. Bankaitis's Blog

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