high humidity and sterility

[jslacey]

I am a new user, an OR charge nurse actually. Have been reading on the sites/forums and feel it is a good place to start.

We work in Phoenix, have started with our Monsoon season, high humidity. Our sterile core, and ORs have been between 65 and 75%. :(

The Question :confused:: What can you tell me about your facilities and similar circumstances and what is considered sterile?

My Nursing Director and Medical Director want to know why is something considered sterile at 60% or below, but not sterile in 70%. I have checked the AORN, the AIA and AAIMEE, and find the parameters of 30 to 60% as accepted ranges (as set by AIA). But their questions are leaning more towards if we take a sterile instrument into a 70% rh room, is there any scientific studies that say it will be contaminated?

Thanks for those who will take the time to help.:D

janet lacey
Charge Nurse.

[sheper1]

You can contact me at erle.shepard@centrahealth.com

[jslacey]

Sheper1
I have been trying to send you private email at above, but keeps getting rejected.
Please contact me when you can jslacey1@bellsouth.net

[Chuck Hughes]

Hi Janet,

From a science point of view, we know some packaging materials are able to withstand the effects of high humidity better than others, i.e. tyvek/mylar pouches over paper/plastic pouches, and rigid containers over wrappers. The longer a package is exposed to excess humidity, the greater the risk of contamination.

From a regulatory point of view, compliance with "best practices" is critical and is what your facility strives for. AAMI standards (ST79 pg 25) as well as AORN Recommended Practices (2008 edition pg 355) state 30-60% RH for work areas, and sterile storage should not exceed 70% RH. So you are ok with the packages; however, the ORs and sterile core, are above 60% RH and therefore in non-compliance.

Facilities that provide healthcare services have a responsibility to ensure that the air handling system is designed to achieve proper temperature and humidity. While compliance with best practices is a challenge for every facility, this is a patient safety issue. As a new user, take this opportunity to educate!

Regards,

Chuck Hughes, GM and Lead Educator
SPSmedical Supply Corp.
1-800-722-1529

[stevep]

If the humidity exceeds the standards is there a set time frame to which sterile items are exposed to that everything must be reprocessed? What if the RH exceeds the standard by one or two percent?