Field Testing of a Commercially Available Pressure Cooker for Sterilizing Medical and Dental Instruments in an Austere Environment

Abstract

During the military's Dental Civic Action Plan (DENTCAP) or civilian dental humanitarian missions in austere locations, one of the leading challenges is proper sterilization of medical and dental instruments. The military-standard sterilization equipment may be difficult or impossible to transport in harsh conditions. Electricity may be unavailable or available only intermittently. Instruments not intended for reuse may need to be reused. Sterilization equipment that is easy to transport, rugged, and effective when used with simple heat sources, such as a portable propane burner or a wood fire, can support the mission when standard equipment will not. This study demonstrates the effectiveness of an ordinary, non-electric pressure cooker, heated and pressurized over a simple heat source, for sterilization of dental instruments in austere locations.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 03, 2021
Accession Number
AD1183029

Entities

People

  • Seung H Hong

Organizations

  • Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Autoclaves
  • Civic Action
  • Data Analysis
  • Department Of Defense
  • Environment
  • Health
  • Health Care
  • Health Services
  • Infection Control
  • Medical Personnel
  • Military Operations
  • Military Standards
  • Multi-Domain Operations
  • Stainless Steel
  • Standards
  • Statistical Analysis
  • Sterilization
  • Therapy

Readers

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  • Materials Science
  • Systems Analysis and Design