[Histonet] New cryostat decontamination CAP statndard

[Silverman, Jeffrey]

Folks:
Please read the checklist notes carefully- I don't think for most of us this is open to interpretation. The standard note says:  MUST be defrosted and decontaminated with a tuberculocidal WEEKLY for machines used daily. It's not open to interpretation if you do frozens daily. Tiny institutions that do one or two frozens a week may have some leeway, but I suspect most of us need to do it weekly to comply with the standard. 

And the UV lights are not tuberculocidal and do not reach all surfaces.   See this link from the Leica instruction manual: http://www.well.ox.ac.uk/_asset/file/leica-disinifection-2.pdf.  A partial quote: 

Please note that ALL visible contamination must be removed from the chamber before using the UV C light and that the germicidal effect of the radiation is restricted to directly illuminated areas. Exposure to UV irradiation cannot replace chemical disinfection.
5. For more extensive disinfection, bring the cryostat to room temperature and wipe the exposed surfaces with an EPA approved tuberculocidal disinfectant. The EPA publishes a list of approved disinfectants. Follow the directions written on the containers.

Another reference re: UV decon: from -- http://www.unmc.edu/media/ibc/manual/biosafety_manual_march2008_final_compressed.doc#engineering Radiation
Gamma and X-ray are two principal types of ionizing radiation used in sterilization. Their application is mainly centered on the sterilization of prepackaged medical devices. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a practical method for inactivating viruses, Mycoplasma, bacteria and fungi. UV radiation is successfully used in the destruction of airborne microorganisms; UV light sterilizing capabilities are limited on surfaces because of its lack of penetrating power. 

Finally, here's an article on biosafety in pathology labs from CAP Today where they reiterate the weekly requirement for cryostat decontamination at room temperature. http://www.cap.org/apps/cap.portal?_nfpb=true&cntvwrPtlt_actionOverride=%2Fportlets%2FcontentViewer%2Fshow&_windowLabel=cntvwrPtlt&cntvwrPtlt%7BactionForm.contentReference%7D=cap_today%2F0909%2F0909b_taking_stock.html&_state=maximized&_pageLabel=cntvwr

I can just hear rhe sounds of numerous CAP "dings" being registered. Oh, the humanity. :-)

Jeff Silverman 


-----Original Message-----
From: Behnaz Sohrab [mailto:SohrabB1 <@t> ah.org] 
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 11:01 AM
To: Silverman, Jeffrey
Subject: Re: [Histonet] New cryostat decontamination CAP statndard

I think we can establish our own QC definition for " ROUTINE" as they are requesting, it could be once a month or any other routine that works for your lab usage and size?
Behnaz

>>> "Silverman, Jeffrey" <JSilverman <@t> NSHS.edu> 2/23/2010 6:23 AM >>>
Here is the new standard for cryostat decontamination. No references are given documenting or supporting the need for this onerous and cumbersome weekly requirement. I suggest we lobby the CAP and demand  both documentation supporting the need for weekly defrosting or, better, a more user friendly and sensible standard.

Jeff Silverman


**REVISED** 06/15/2009
ANP.12087 Phase II N/A YES NO
Is there a documented procedure for the routine decontamination of the cryostat at defined intervals,
and are decontamination records evident?
NOTE: The cryostat must be defrosted and decontaminated with a tuberculocidal disinfectant at an
interval appropriate for the institution; this must be weekly for instruments used daily. Trimmings and
sections of tissue that accumulate inside the cryostat must be removed during decontamination. Although
not a requirement, steel mesh gloves should be worn when changing knife blades.





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