Re: Cold sterilization vs. autoclave

[Guest guest]

,

I would consider getting a dry heat sterilizer instead of an autoclave

(about $400 compared to $2000-3000). Here is a link to Medical's

website describing one. I'm sure you can find one cheaper. I have no

idea how they compare to regular autoclaves.

http://www2.mooremedical.com/index.cfm?

PG=CTL & CS=HOM & FN=ProductDetail & PID=1917

I opted to get all disposable equipment and not deal with sterilizing

anything, since I am trying to keep startup costs down. For skin

procedures, I got disposable skin biopsy punches, laceration kits and

scapels. What equipment are you using that you have to sterilize?

Seto

South Pasadena, CA

>

> Hi,

>

> Just wondering if anyone out there utilizes cold sterilization with

> cidex

> instead of autoclaving.  Trying to keep expenses down, I'm wondering

> at

> what point is the trade-off of using an autoclave worth while?  I like

> doing skin procedures, but if I'm going to only see 8-12 patients per

> day,

> does it make sense to autoclave?  Also, how many sets of instruments

> should I have available?  3?  I'm getting closer to ordering supplies

> and

> could use some help.

>

> Anyone have a start-up list of equipment they bought?  Prices?  This

> would

> be very helpful and MUCH appreciated.

>

> Thanks,

> -

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

We too were concerned about the cost of sterilization. What has

worked for us is the local hospital will autoclave things for us for

25 cents a package. We have small packs made up w the basics and it

works fine. I would bet that your local hospital does the same for

several doctors in your area. We also use them for redbox items.

They just charge us by the pound. Ours is so nominal to them that

the cost is minimal.

For shredding we pay 10 dollars per 100 pounds. We will have about

500 pounds of paper to shred a month. They pick up and deliver a

locked can.

Our local hospital will also make up larger surgical packs if wanted

with drapes, etc.

Brent

>

> Hi,

>

> Just wondering if anyone out there utilizes cold sterilization

with cidex

> instead of autoclaving. Trying to keep expenses down, I'm

wondering at

> what point is the trade-off of using an autoclave worth while? I

like

> doing skin procedures, but if I'm going to only see 8-12 patients

per day,

> does it make sense to autoclave? Also, how many sets of

instruments

> should I have available? 3? I'm getting closer to ordering

supplies and

> could use some help.

>

> Anyone have a start-up list of equipment they bought? Prices?

This would

> be very helpful and MUCH appreciated.

>

> Thanks,

> -

[Guest guest]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions...Brent, who does your paper

shredding.

Thanks,

brenthrabik said:

> We too were concerned about the cost of sterilization. What has

> worked for us is the local hospital will autoclave things for us for 25

> cents a package. We have small packs made up w the basics and it works

> fine. I would bet that your local hospital does the same for several

> doctors in your area. We also use them for redbox items. They just

> charge us by the pound. Ours is so nominal to them that the cost is

> minimal.

> For shredding we pay 10 dollars per 100 pounds. We will have about

> 500 pounds of paper to shred a month. They pick up and deliver a

> locked can.

> Our local hospital will also make up larger surgical packs if wanted

> with drapes, etc.

> Brent

>

>>

>> Hi,

>>

>> Just wondering if anyone out there utilizes cold sterilization

> with cidex

>> instead of autoclaving. Trying to keep expenses down, I'm

> wondering at

>> what point is the trade-off of using an autoclave worth while? I

> like

>> doing skin procedures, but if I'm going to only see 8-12 patients

> per day,

>> does it make sense to autoclave? Also, how many sets of

> instruments

>> should I have available? 3? I'm getting closer to ordering

> supplies and

>> could use some help.

>>

>> Anyone have a start-up list of equipment they bought? Prices?

> This would

>> be very helpful and MUCH appreciated.

>>

>> Thanks,

>> -

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I am not even sure, there are two competing companies in town that

shred paper for businesses. You can probably find professional

shredding services in the yellow pages.

Brent

> >>

> >> Hi,

> >>

> >> Just wondering if anyone out there utilizes cold sterilization

> > with cidex

> >> instead of autoclaving. Trying to keep expenses down, I'm

> > wondering at

> >> what point is the trade-off of using an autoclave worth while?

I

> > like

> >> doing skin procedures, but if I'm going to only see 8-12

patients

> > per day,

> >> does it make sense to autoclave? Also, how many sets of

> > instruments

> >> should I have available? 3? I'm getting closer to ordering

> > supplies and

> >> could use some help.

> >>

> >> Anyone have a start-up list of equipment they bought? Prices?

> > This would

> >> be very helpful and MUCH appreciated.

> >>

> >> Thanks,

> >> -

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

For me the decision on autoclaving vs. disposable boils down to (hah!) whether or not you want to do gyn proceedures. The disposables are easy enough for simple skin stuff, but I couldn't even pull an IUD without an autoclavable instrument. Luckily, my local McKesson rep is sympathetic and found me an old autoclave that was long enough for gyn instruments - no charge (he's got a soft spot for my obvious insanity in my choice of practice). I used it with the tape that changes with sterilization. I will probably use it 3 times a year, but I do feel more like a real doctor when I don't have to send everyone to a gyn for an EMB or a IUD removal. . . We all have our definitions of what a "real doctor" is.

About shredding - I don't know how much you shred, but for $80. I bought a good shredder that's right next to my desk. There's another one in the front office next to the fax and mail delivery. Everything goes in immediately, then it's emptied with the wastebaskets when the office is cleaned. Something so satisfying about getting rid of each sheet of completely useless paper. Much easier than thinking about it twice and keeping it in bags. . .

Albuquerque