Product Specific:

• Bougies
• Copper / Stainless Steel Stylets
• Filiforms and Followers
• Laryngoscopes

In order to view the above PDF documents, you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader which is available for FREE download by clicking the "Get Acrobat Reader" icon below.

STORAGE GUIDELINES

All products should be stored in cool, dark conditions in the containers in which they are supplied. Rubber and latex are particularly sensitive to sunlight and artificial light with ultraviolet content and to ozone which is generated by fluorescent lighting, electric motors and similar machinery. Products must not come into contact with metals, strong cleaning solutions, phenols, cresols, hydrocarbons, alcohol or oxidizing agents. Articles should be issued from storage in strict rotation to ensure only the latest remains. All products, particularly rubber and latex products deteriorate with age. Any products showing signs of deterioration should be destroyed and discarded. Any product with a "use by" date should be discarded if it is older than the date shown. Do not confuse this date with any date of sterilization which only shows the final processing and is not an indication of expiration.


STERILIZATION GUIDELINES

General Information

Re-use and re-sterilization will cause deterioration. To avoid failure in use, products should be checked and any product showing signs of deterioration must be discarded. As storage, use and exposure to many factors varies, a pre-set life (time) or number of re-sterilization cycles cannot be advised by RUSCH. All products indicated for re-sterilization should be thoroughly cleaned immediately after use.

Single Use Products

Products indicating that they are single use (disposable) should not be sterilized or re-sterilized as the product may be damaged functionally. Single use products are normally supplied sterile and are labeled on the pack "single use only" or similar.
ET0 Gas (Ethylene Oxide) Method
Black Rubber Products
Red Rubber Products
Silicone Products
Latex Products

Face Masks
On Face Masks, plugs must be removed and luer caps on red rubber E.T. Tubes left open: Even so if the vacuum cycle is too rapid, damage may result so care must be taken during the evacuation cycle. In other respects all reusable products are suitable for ET0 gas sterilization. Sterilization cycles with temperatures up to a maximum 52°C (125°F) are recommended. Equipment manufacturer's recommendations must be followed.

Laryngoscope Blades
Sterilization cycles with temperatures up to 65°C (150°F) are recommended. Follow accepted hospital protocol for aeration.
CAUTION: Use of inert gases in the sterilization process such as chlorinated hydrocarbons (e.g. Freon) may damage rubber and latex products. Check all products for signs of deterioration, particularly a sticky surface.

Aeration
Residual ethylene oxide must be eliminated so follow the sterilizer manufacturer's guidelines and accepted hospital protocol for aeration.

Steam (Autoclaving) Method

Black Rubber Products
(e.g., Anesthesia Masks, Tubes and Breathing Bags):
Remove plugs from inflatable face mask cushions to avoid damage.
Sterilization cycles with temperatures up to a maximum 121°C (250°F) are recommended. Avoid contact with instruments or any metal object. Conductivity will be affected by repeated sterilization and should be checked periodically. Allow to dry and recover for 48 hours.

Latex and Red Rubber Products
(E.g. Endotracheal Tubes, Urology Catheters):
Sterilization cycles with temperatures up to a maximum 121°C (250°F) are recommended. Avoid contact with instruments or any metal object. Allow to dry and recover for 48 hours.

Laryngoscope Blades
Sterilization cycles up to a maximum of 131°C (270°F) and pressure of 28 p.s.i. are recommended. Use standard autoclave wrap and avoid contact with other instruments. Securely tighten bulb in standard blades prior to use. CAUTION: Flash sterilization above 131°C (270°F) and hot air sterilization may damage the instrument. Repeated autoclaving may reduce the light transmission and life expectancy of the blade.