Guidelines > Guideline on Sterilization of Implants
Materials used for implantation, regardless of the contact time or tissue type, must be sterilized according to the manufacture’s suggestions/recommendations. Steam sterilization is the optimal way to process an item for sterilization, however, if an item may be damaged by heat, pressure, or moisture then an alternative method of sterilization such as ETO may be used according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Glutaraldehyde must not be used, except as necessary per the manufacturer’s recommendation, because it is highly irritating and sensitizing. Re-use of devices intended for single use is discouraged due to the difficulties of validating re-sterilization procedures and inability to predict functionality after repeated sterilization. We encourage investigators to consult the infection control practices found at the Shands web site.
http://intranet.shands.org/aghic/icpoladobe/ic09.pdf
