12 | COMTEX
Packs are then stacked on carts that are
placed in an autoclave for sterilization, a
process that involves being placed for 65
minutes in a steam sterilizer that gener-
ates pressures of about 440 psi (30 atmo-
spheres) and heat of 275 degrees Fahren-
heit. Packs are then transferred to a sealed
cooling down room that is maintained vir-
tually bacteria free. Cleanliness is main-
tained by a strict disinfection routine, by
positive air pressure and the filtering of
air through multiple air changes per hour.
Beyond the fact that the per-use cost
of reusable products is significantly less
than disposable products, the process also
helps ensure the most appropriate level of
protection (I – IV) is used for each op-
eration. Sterilization additionally allows
physicians and staff to wear more com-
fortable and breathable products, and all
while also helping to eliminate waste re-
moval costs as well as environmental im-
pacts by deferring these materials from
area landfills. Noel says upwards of $4
