Karen Haberland, Julie Miller, James Davis, Mukui Mutunga, Jeremy Suggs
{"title":"Evaluating Disposable Isolation Gown Liquid Barrier Test Methods for Relevance to Healthcare.","authors":"Karen Haberland, Julie Miller, James Davis, Mukui Mutunga, Jeremy Suggs","doi":"10.2345/0899-8205-59.1.108","DOIUrl":"10.2345/0899-8205-59.1.108","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Healthcare staff rely on isolation gowns to provide a degree of protection against cross contamination from blood or body fluids. Gowns that meet standardized liquid barrier penetration test methods provide staff with a presumed assurance of safety. However, these test methods-namely impact penetration and resistance to hydrostatic pressure-were not drafted with personal protective equipment in mind and therefore may be inappropriate for testing products intended for use in a healthcare environment. This study found that adjusting testing parameters to better simulate clinical conditions altered the measured performance outcomes of the gowns. Specifically, increasing the temperature of the gown material's preconditioning environment or test liquid resulted in statistically significant variations in results. Further, although hydrostatic pressure resistance is measured by the appearance of a third liquid droplet on the inner surface of the gown material, the first two droplets appeared at significantly lower pressures and likely would constitute contamination of healthcare staff. The results indicated that current isolation gown test protocols and regulations should be reevaluated to more accurately reflect healthcare scenarios and improve alignment with expected barrier performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":35656,"journal":{"name":"Biomedical Instrumentation and Technology","volume":"59 1","pages":"108-116"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12154863/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144267452","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Terra Kremer, Ralph Basile, Alpa Patel, Kaumudi Kulkarni, Joseph Simbeni, Patrick Zwamborn, Kyona Baars
{"title":"Test Method Development for Cleaning Chemistry Performance Determination.","authors":"Terra Kremer, Ralph Basile, Alpa Patel, Kaumudi Kulkarni, Joseph Simbeni, Patrick Zwamborn, Kyona Baars","doi":"10.2345/0899-8205-59.2.145","DOIUrl":"10.2345/0899-8205-59.2.145","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Currently, manufacturers of cleaning agents are not obligated to verify the efficacy of formulations used in detergents. Because of a lack of standards, companies can market cleaning agents to healthcare systems for cleaning purposes without substantiated evidence that the agents meet minimum performance criteria, as validated by medical device manufacturers. Absence of standards and regulatory oversight on the performance assessment of cleaning agents exacerbates the risk to patient safety for reusable medical devices. The aim of the current work was to develop a standard test method for reliably assessing the performance of cleaning agents. Water was used as the test method control to normalize cleaning agent performance. Cleaning agents, which were advertised as economy (i.e., minimal performance) and premium (i.e., high performance), were challenged as independent variables in the test system. Control variables were modified for each experiment to isolate the highest performing variable combination, and robustness was evaluated by performance testing at multiple independent laboratories. By controlling variables such as soil type, application, drying, and exposure time, a standardized, reproducible test method for evaluating the performance of cleaning agents used in medical device processing was developed. This approach can allow for reliable comparisons of cleaning agents to empower medical device manufacturers and healthcare facilities to make informed choices, ultimately contributing to improved patient safety through more effective cleaning validation.</p>","PeriodicalId":35656,"journal":{"name":"Biomedical Instrumentation and Technology","volume":"59 2","pages":"145-154"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12453126/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145125948","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Margaret Gilman, Kwame A Gyabaah, Katlyn L Burr, Edna Gilliam
{"title":"Using a Risk Assessment to Transition to a 14-Day Endoscope Hang Time.","authors":"Margaret Gilman, Kwame A Gyabaah, Katlyn L Burr, Edna Gilliam","doi":"10.2345/0899-8205-59.2.155","DOIUrl":"10.2345/0899-8205-59.2.155","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Guidelines for endoscope hang time following device processing do not provide a specific time frame; instead, they recommend conducting a multidisciplinary risk assessment for any changes in protocol. After undertaking a risk assessment, a proposal to move from a 7- to 14-day hang time was developed and approved at a pediatric hospital. Rigorous protocols were put into place to assess for endoscope contamination and to surveil for endoscope-related infections. In the 3 months following the protocol change, no instances of contamination were identified and no concerns related to endoscope-related infections were noted. Implementation of the increase in scope hang time was estimated to save more than $150,000 annually in equipment and staff costs. Modifying endoscope hang time can be accomplished safely and cost effectively by adhering to strict procedures and ensuring dedicated process oversight.</p>","PeriodicalId":35656,"journal":{"name":"Biomedical Instrumentation and Technology","volume":"59 2","pages":"155-159"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12453124/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145125941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Krystina M Hopkins, Abigail G Smart, Aaron L Preston, Charesse Y James, Jill E Holdsworth, Larry A Lamb, Kari L Love, Cori L Ofstead
{"title":"Comparison of Sampling Methods for Detecting Protein in Gastrointestinal Endoscopes.","authors":"Krystina M Hopkins, Abigail G Smart, Aaron L Preston, Charesse Y James, Jill E Holdsworth, Larry A Lamb, Kari L Love, Cori L Ofstead","doi":"10.2345/0899-8205-58.3.49","DOIUrl":"10.2345/0899-8205-58.3.49","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Persistent microbial contamination of flexible endoscopes has been linked to infections and outbreaks. Valid and reliable sampling methods are critical for monitoring processing effectiveness in flexible endoscopes. In this study, the effectiveness of protein extraction via turbulent fluid flow (TFF) sampling was compared with flush-only sampling in manually cleaned gastrointestinal endoscopes. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A crossover study design, in which both sampling methods were used in alternating order during each endoscope encounter, was utilized to assess protein levels after colonoscopes and gastroscopes underwent manual cleaning. Endoscope channels were sampled with 20 mL sterile water using TFF and flush-only methods. Protein levels were quantified using a spectrophotometer. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Protein samples were collected during a total of 40 encounters with 20 unique endoscopes (19 colonoscopes and 21 gastroscopes) following procedural use. More effluent was captured following TFF (20-30 mL) compared with flush-only (19-21 mL) sampling. Zero samples had detectable protein after flush-only sampling, and nine samples (22.5%; two gastroscopes and seven colonoscopes) had detectable protein following TFF sampling (range 1-4 μg/mL). Of those, four exceeded the 2 μg/mL study threshold for recleaning after the first cleaning and three of four dropped to 2 μg/mL or less after recleaning. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> TFF sampling of the entire suction-biopsy channel allowed the detection of residual protein in nine gastrointestinal endoscopes, whereas no protein was detected in samples obtained by manually flushing the instrument channel. More research is needed to characterize the real-world utility of using the TFF system to verify whether soil and bioburden have been effectively removed during processing. Numerous studies have documented that a majority of fully processed, patient-ready endoscopes harbor microbes.<sup>1</sup><sup>-</sup><sup>8</sup> Microbes found in endoscopes include high-concern organisms (e.g., multidrug-resistant microbes and pathogens) that have been linked to endoscopy-associated outbreaks.<sup>9</sup><sup>-</sup><sup>12</sup> In these outbreaks, visible residual soil was discovered during the outbreak investigation. Current guidelines and standards note that effectively cleaning endoscopes is critical to the success of high-level disinfection (HLD) and sterilization.<sup>13</sup><sup>,</sup><sup>14</sup> Several studies by Ofstead and colleagues<sup>6</sup><sup>,</sup><sup>15</sup><sup>,</sup><sup>16</sup> have documented high protein levels on endoscopes. A study involving colonoscopes and gastroscopes detected protein on 100% of manually cleaned endoscopes (range 3-11 μg/mL).<sup>6</sup> Other studies also found protein in 100% of manually cleaned bronchoscopes (range 2-30 μg/mL) and sterilized ureteroscopes (range 9-32 μg/mL).<sup>15</sup><sup>,</sup><sup>16</sup> These contamination ","PeriodicalId":35656,"journal":{"name":"Biomedical Instrumentation and Technology","volume":"58 3","pages":"49-57"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11360884/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144056857","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Krystina M Hopkins, Steven J Adams, Larry A Lamb, Abigail G Smart, Cori L Ofstead
{"title":"Beyond Endoscopes: Pilot Study of Surgical Instrument Lumen Inspection.","authors":"Krystina M Hopkins, Steven J Adams, Larry A Lamb, Abigail G Smart, Cori L Ofstead","doi":"10.2345/0899-8205-58.1.25","DOIUrl":"10.2345/0899-8205-58.1.25","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Objective:</i></b> Borescope examinations of endoscope channels are commonly described in literature, but no studies on surgical instrument lumen inspection have been published recently. Inadequately processed surgical instruments have been implicated in patient infections. This study assessed the utility of borescopes for inspecting surgical instruments. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The study team inspected and photographed sterilized, patient-ready arthroscopic shaver handpieces and suction tips using a tablet camera and borescopes to characterize internal anatomy, defects found in lumens, and the impact of recleaning on debris or residues. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Ten suctions and eight shavers were inspected. All suctions had internal ridges and suction holes that were perpendicular to the lumen. All shavers had visible ridges, elbows, and lever mechanisms inside lumens. Of the 18 instruments, 16 (88%) had internal features that appeared rough or jagged and 17 (94%) had visible debris or discoloration in the lumens. Recleaning efforts generally were effective for suctions, but multiple rounds of recleaning with enhanced steps were less effective for shavers, which were replaced. Researchers documented retained soil and brush bristles in several new shavers despite following manufacturer instructions for cleaning and found visible damage and discoloration within five uses. <b><i>Discussion:</i></b> This study demonstrated the value of borescope examinations for surgical instrument lumens. Visual inspections identified anatomical features that could influence cleaning effectiveness and detected residual soil, discoloration, and debris in most instruments. The findings suggested that manufacturer cleaning instructions were insufficient and additional cleaning was not always effective. In response, the site's multidisciplinary team strengthened risk assessment protocols and enhanced their cleaning practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":35656,"journal":{"name":"Biomedical Instrumentation and Technology","volume":"58 1","pages":"25-33"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10878677/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139913594","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Philip Roxby, Hervé Michel, Céline Huart, Samuel Dorey
{"title":"Effect of Gamma and X-ray Irradiation on Polymers Commonly Used in Healthcare Products.","authors":"Philip Roxby, Hervé Michel, Céline Huart, Samuel Dorey","doi":"10.2345/0899-8205-58.1.7","DOIUrl":"10.2345/0899-8205-58.1.7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Synthetic organic polymers commonly are used in the construction of healthcare product and medical device components. Medical devices often are sterilized to ensure that they are free from viable microorganisms. A common technique to achieve this is using ionizing radiation, usually gamma. A trend exists in industrial sterilization to supplement gamma with alternative accelerator technologies (e.g., X-ray). In the current work, studies were performed to characterize polymer modifications caused by gamma and X-ray sterilization processes and to assess the comparative equivalency. The studies were developed to evaluate two key process parameters: dose and dose rate. Three commonly used polymers were selected: high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, and polypropylene. Four grades of each family were chosen. The dose assessment involved sample exposures to both gamma and X-ray irradiation at two dose levels (30 and 55 kGy). All other processing conditions, including dose rate, were controlled at standard processing levels akin to each sterilization technology. The dose rate assessment expanded on each dose level by introducing two additional dose rate parameters. Subsequent laboratory testing used techniques to characterize physico-chemical properties of the polymers to ascertain equivalency across test groups. Initial results indicated positive levels of equivalency between gamma and X-ray irradiation.</p>","PeriodicalId":35656,"journal":{"name":"Biomedical Instrumentation and Technology","volume":"58 1","pages":"7-17"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10849104/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139698518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Paulo Laranjeira, William H Leiva-Perez, Jorge M Zuniga
{"title":"Evaluation of Novel Antimicrobial Material to Prevent Biofilm Formation in Medical Devices.","authors":"Paulo Laranjeira, William H Leiva-Perez, Jorge M Zuniga","doi":"10.2345/0899-8205-58.3.43","DOIUrl":"10.2345/0899-8205-58.3.43","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The advancement of novel materials and manufacturing technologies offer opportunities to explore new applications in the space of medical devices. Among these advances, biobased polymers with antimicrobial activity can be used to develop prototypes by additive manufacturing, thereby enabling further exploration with benefits to time and cost. The objective of this research was to assess the effectiveness of polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer embedded with a copper-based composite (active PLA) to reduce and prevent bacterial growth of microorganisms of concern that may lead to the formation of biofilms. The research was carried out by manufacturing coupons of active PLA using additive manufacturing to test the growth or lack thereof of microorganisms known to form biofilms in medical devices, particularly those with narrow lumens. Testing showed 99.99% antimicrobial effectiveness in reducing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9027), Escherichia coli (8739), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (4352) growth after 24 hours of exposure. The results confirm the effectiveness of active PLA in preventing microbial growth, which opens the possibility of its use for other medical device applications. Further testing is required, particularly regarding toxicological aspects and potential concerns about the size of copper particles.</p>","PeriodicalId":35656,"journal":{"name":"Biomedical Instrumentation and Technology","volume":"58 3","pages":"43-48"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11205206/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144004375","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Marie-Ange Janvier, Andrew A M Ibey, Kajal Madhusudan, Ishtar Al-Tahir, Mark R Asbil, Kim Greenwood
{"title":"Finding the Waste: Parts Inventory Analysis Using Lean Methodology.","authors":"Marie-Ange Janvier, Andrew A M Ibey, Kajal Madhusudan, Ishtar Al-Tahir, Mark R Asbil, Kim Greenwood","doi":"10.2345/0899-8205-58.4.72","DOIUrl":"10.2345/0899-8205-58.4.72","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>During a 12-year period (2011-23), the number of staff in the Clinical Engineering (CE) Department at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) increased from five to more than 20 biomedical equipment technicians/technologists. However, despite this increase in staff, processes did not evolve and procedures that used modern technological and shipping advances were not implemented. The absence of standardized procurement and inventory processes for parts created discrepancies between on-hand inventory and the computerized maintenance management system (CMMS). Owing to inaccurate CMMS information and unsystematic parts documentation, time and money were wasted. This situation led to a lack of confidence in CMMS data, causing staff disengagement, loss of accountability, and limited parts tracking. The current article describes a project that used Lean methodologies and use of the define, measure, analyze, improve, and control structure, including tools such as interviews, a survey, process mapping, and Gemba walks, to create a list of prioritized problems. A total of 16 problems were formulated, four of which were identified as prerequisites to be implemented regardless of prioritization. The four prerequisites described the scope of each problem and potential solutions. The goal of this process was to create a workflow that could save time and money while improving the morale of stakeholders involved in the parts procurement and inventory process.</p>","PeriodicalId":35656,"journal":{"name":"Biomedical Instrumentation and Technology","volume":"58 4","pages":"72-80"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11493152/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144032449","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Health Technology Assessment in U.S. Hospitals: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Scott Skinner","doi":"10.2345/0899-8205-58.4.67","DOIUrl":"10.2345/0899-8205-58.4.67","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Objective:</i></b> The processes of evaluating and selecting health technologies in hospitals have been extensively explored. However, few studies have been specific to U.S. hospitals, and none has approached the subject from the perspective of clinical engineering (CE)/healthcare technology management (HTM) professionals. This study specifically explored the intraorganizational phenomenon of how electronic medical equipment (EME) is evaluated and selected in U.S. hospitals from the perspective of CE/HTM professionals. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> The study was qualitative, incorporating semistructured interviews conducted with 10 CE/HTM professionals. Interviews were carried out via Internet conferencing and recorded. The recordings were transcribed and the transcripts analyzed using the constant comparative method and grounded theory. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Participants were able to describe details of the intraorganizational processes used to evaluate and select EME within their hospitals. Themes that emerged included coronavirus disease 2019 impact, growing influence over time, multidisciplinary committees, negative outcomes, organizational factors, and process definition/exceptions. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This study found a variety of recurring themes associated with the evaluation and selection processes for EME from the perspective of CE/HTM professionals in U.S. hospitals. Participants had varying degrees of power and influence with the processes. The themes may inform CE/HTM professionals seeking to grow their involvement with such processes.</p>","PeriodicalId":35656,"journal":{"name":"Biomedical Instrumentation and Technology","volume":"58 4","pages":"67-71"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11482723/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144050438","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Patrick Anibaldi, Puneet Gill, Prabhleen Kaur, Jiann-Te Kenneth Lee, Akshaysingh Baghele, Vu L Lekate, Troy P Carter, Byron J Lambert
{"title":"Effect of Vaporized Hydrogen Peroxide and Nitrogen Dioxide Sterilization on Nitinol.","authors":"Patrick Anibaldi, Puneet Gill, Prabhleen Kaur, Jiann-Te Kenneth Lee, Akshaysingh Baghele, Vu L Lekate, Troy P Carter, Byron J Lambert","doi":"10.2345/0899-8205-58.1.1","DOIUrl":"10.2345/0899-8205-58.1.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Nitinol is used as the structural framework in numerous types of medical devices (e.g., guidewires, transcatheters, stents). The desire to understand the material compatibility of nitinol with vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VH<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>) and nitrogen dioxide (NO<sub>2</sub>) sterilization is increasing in healthcare technology. As a result of increased regulatory pressure and capacity limitations related to ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization, the industry is seeking alternative, sustainable sterilization options. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> This study sought to characterize the corrosion resistance of nitinol metal alloy wire when exposed to varying levels of VH<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and NO<sub>2</sub> sterilization. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) scans were performed to understand the effects of VH<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and NO<sub>2</sub> sterilization treatments on the surface morphology and chemical composition of nitinol. <b><i>Results:</i></b> From the SEM-EDS results, no notable difference was observed when comparing VH<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and NO<sub>2</sub> test samples with nonsterile control samples. In addition, cyclic potentiodynamic polarization measurements were performed per ASTM F2129-19a to determine corrosion susceptibility. No considerable changes were detected in the electrochemical potential after VH<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and NO<sub>2</sub> sterilization treatments, when compared with the nonsterile control samples. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> SEM-EDS and corrosion test results indicated no considerable changes in the surface properties or electrochemical potential of the sterilized samples compared with the nonsterilized control samples. Therefore, nitinol metal showed promising results for compatibility with VH<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> and NO<sub>2</sub> sterilization.</p>","PeriodicalId":35656,"journal":{"name":"Biomedical Instrumentation and Technology","volume":"58 1","pages":"1-6"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10849103/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"139698519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}