STARR Life Sciences Product Sterilization
Properly sterilizing your STARR Life Sciences products is important for equipment maintenance and limiting the spread of disease from animal to animal.
The following are guidelines for sterilizing your STARR Life Sciences products.
MouseOx® Plus Sensors
Sterilization by chlorine dioxide gas is a preferred method of sterilization for all MouseOx® Plus products.
The sensors can also be cleaned with light soap and water and soaked in 3% Hydrogen Peroxide.
Note: The sensors should not be soaked in alcohol. Other sterilization methods may also be compatible.
E-Mitter Implantable Transponders
E-Mitters should be sterilized prior to surgery. Chemical sterilants such as activated glutaraldehyde (Alide®) and benzalconium chloride (Zephiran®) can be used effectively and also OPA’s (ortho-phthalaldehyde) such as Cidex. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper dilution and time in solution to achieve sterilization. Avoid leaving the transmitters in chemical solution any longer than necessary. Be certain to properly aerate implants after gas sterilization. Rinse chemically sterilized implants in sterile saline just prior to implantation.
CAUTION! Do not autoclave or exceed 60° C in gas sterilizers. Destruction of the E-Mitter may result.
Enzymatic Agents:
Enzymatic detergents are available from most hospital supply companies, they are generally labeled for use on fabrics or surgical equipment/instruments. Check that they are considered safe for these applications before use. The purpose of the detergent is to remove blood, serum proteins, and tissue debris from the surface of the transmitter. Example products are Terg-A-Zyme® (Alconox, Inc.) and Haemo-Sol® N.S. (Haemo-Sol, Inc.).
Terg-A-Zyme
Terg-A-Zyme is an enzyme-active powdered detergent made by Alconox, Inc. To make a 1% solution, mix 10 grams of powder with 1 Liter of cold or warm water. Allow the device to soak for a minimum of 4 hours and a maximum of 72 hours in the solution. Rinse thoroughly, preferably with running water. Product information is available at https://www.alconox.com/Product/CleanerCatalog.aspx.
Haemo-Sol N.S.
Haemo-Sol N.S. is a non-sudsing, proteolytic powdered detergent made by Haemo-Sol, Inc. To make 1 Liter of the solution, mix 5 grams of powder with 1 Liter of cold or warm water. Allow the device to soak for a minimum of 4 hours and a maximum of 72 hours in the solution. Rinse thoroughly, preferably with running water. It is important to note that there are multiple types of Haemo-Sol available but we only recommend using the N.S. (non-sudsing) type. For detailed information: www.haemo-sol.com