New technology for sterilization and disinfection

Article Abstract:

European hospitals have developed new methods for sterilizing and disinfecting hospital equipment. At the time that these methods were developed, a method called ethylene oxide sterilization was in use in the United States. However, the special autoclaves (high-temperature ovens) required for this sterilization procedure were not available on the European market. Therefore, the Europeans developed a method of sterilization with low-temperature steam and gaseous formaldehyde (LTSF). This method uses a combination of low heat and formaldehyde to sterilize equipment that cannot be subjected to extremely high temperatures. European hospitals use two different procedures for disinfecting equipment, and these procedures have not been introduced in the United States. Flushing disinfectors are closed machines that are used for disinfecting bed pans, urinals, washbowls and suction bottles. The equipment is exposed to a short wash cycle with warm water and then to a cycle with hot water. This procedure eliminates manual cleaning because devices such as bed pans do not need to be emptied or rinsed before being placed in the flushing disinfector. Instruments used for surgery and anesthesia are cleaned using a washer disinfector. This machine uses a longer wash cycle than the flushing disinfector and uses a detergent as well. They are used in intensive care units and surgical departments. These sterilization and disinfection procedures have the advantages that they reduce the amount of hospital waste that is generated by eliminating the use of chemical germicides and they reduce the need for disposable items. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Innovations, Europe, Equipment and supplies, Disinfection and disinfectants, Disinfectants, Disinfection, Contamination (Technology), Contamination, Sterilization (Disinfection), Sterilization

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Evolving in a dynamic world

Article Abstract:

Behavioral ecology uses optimality models to explain the evolution of differing behaviors within a particular animal population. The example studied is intraspecific brood parasitism in birds, in which some members of a population lay eggs in the nests of other members.

Research, Parasitic birds, Behavior evolution, Behavioral evolution

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Business health balance

Article Abstract:

A collaboration project between Arthur Anderson and Business health has resulted in Health Balance service which aims to offer health and risk diagnosis.

Risk assessment, Services, Joint ventures, Arthur Anderson, Businesshealth

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