Hi, I was reading up on this electrologist in my area she uses Autoclaved Instruments, what exactly are those? Are they latest technology, because I was reading on few websites they stated that the electrologist should have latest equipment, which is good sign. Please if anyone knows, let me know.
Thank you!
gx
Hi:
That is an easy one. That means that she sterilizes them
before they are used on you. The same thing that they do in the hospitals with all of their scalpels, etc…
That prevents them from tranferring germs, etc., from one patient to another.
Do I get a prize for answering correctly?
Alicia
what they are talking about here is the sterilization process used to clean these things. It has nothing to do with the treatment itself really. The only difference between the oldest and the newest items like this is how long it takes to sterilize what you put in.
The only thing you don’t want to find out is that your practitioner is using a glass bead system, as it has been proven that the heat is not consistent, and therefore can’t be relied upon for full sterilization.
Hey thanks james, but are these seperate from the disposable probes? So, these autoclave are safe then right? Besides the fact that you mentioned the glass bead system. Sorry, im learning just need as much information as possible.
Hi alicia, I dont really have prize to give you … lol. I already asked james regards of disposable, so then she uses the same needles on everyone? Hmmm…
As indicated, the autoclave is just one of the equipment choices that is used to sterilize the forceps/tweezers and can also be used to sterilize needles however not too many electrologists do this anymore as presterilized single use needles are preferred. Since needles do not maintain their strength and can become dull with repeated use, single use is a better choice as it also eliminates any concerns about potential sterilization problems.
Most electrologists don’t like the idea of handling used needles; we prefer to chuck them in the sharps containter and start with the single use presterilized needle for each appt. The only advantage to reusing needles is the cost savings for the practitioner.
The only way you can know for sure if you are getting a presterilized disposible probe is to observe the electrologist opening a tiny shrink wrapped packet and remove the needle from it, before beginning treatment.
There are 2 types of sterilizers that are commonly in use for the sterilization in electrology practices. Both of these methods are FDA approved.
Autoclave: This sterilizes instruments by means of steam under pressure (typically 15 psi) This raises the temperature of the steam to about 250 deg. F and gives a sterilization time of about 15 to 20 minutes. The quicker action is due to the increased steam temperature combined with the fact that steam transfers heat quicker than dry air. These are basically little more than pressure cookers and are a lot more expensive than the…
Dry heat sterilizer: This is nothing more than a small oven with a working temperature around 340 to 360 deg. F. These take longer to work (1* to 2* hours depending on temp.) but are equally effective. One thing to note: The higher the temperature, the quicker you can sterilize instruments. The FDA requires that sterilizers be used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions. I sterilize tweezers at 340 deg. F for 1 hour, but reuseable needles should be done for 2 hours. (Note: I do not like or use reuseable needles and do not recommend their use. This is purely a personal preference - I do not want to offend those who prefer this technology and and use it properly.)
These are used to sterilize instruments like tweezers between clients as they both will kill all bacteria, molds, viruses, and spores.
Very few electrologists currently use reuseable probes as the use-once types are so much easier to deal with and have virtually no chance of cross infection.
Joanie <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />