Section 72.02. Sterilization.

 

(1)  All nondisposable needles, acupuncture equipment that comes in contact with a patient's blood or body fluids or penetrates the skin, and equipment used to handle or store needles shall be sterilized after each use.

(2)  All equipment required to be sterilized by this section shall be thoroughly wiped clean with a disinfectant or cleansing solution before sterilization.

(3)  Sterilization, as required by this section, shall be accomplished by use of one of the following in accordance with manufacturer's instructions:

(a) Autoclave for 30 minutes at 250º F., 15 pounds of steam pressure. If this method is employed, the packaging used to store the needles shall have autoclave tape to verify sterilization.

(b) Dry heat sterilization for 2 hours at 338º F. If this method is employed, the acupuncturist shall check needles for breakage after sterilization.

(c) Ethylene oxide.

(4)  The following procedures are not acceptable methods of sterilization:

(a) Boiling.

(b) Soaking in alcohol or other antiseptic solution.

(c) Glass bead sterilizer.

(5)  Equipment used to sterilize shall be maintained in good working order. Sterilization equipment shall be monitored as required by the manufacturer to ensure that it is functioning in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.

(6)  Any equipment that has been sterilized shall be stored in packaging that protects against contamination and that is clearly marked to distinguish it from unsterile equipment. Sealed packages containing sterilized equipment shall be marked with an expiration date in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.

(7)  Resterilization of equipment is required if any of the following occur:

(a) It is equipment stored in a sealed package beyond its expiration date.

(b) Its packaging is damaged in any way which adversely affects the ability of the packaging to maintain the sterility of its contents.

(c) It is not used on the day the equipment is removed from its package.

(8)  No needle, cup, or other device shall be used on more than one point of any patient, or applied to a single point on any patient more than one time, before it is resterilized.

History: Cr. Register, October, 1990, No. 418 , eff. 11-1-90; am. (1), Register, May, 1998, No. 509 , eff. 6-1-98.