WHEN IT’S HOT AND WHEN IT’S NOT – ISSUE NO. 321

It doesn't last long, but in Michigan there are optimal days in the summer ideal for visiting friends who own a pool. For the last few weeks, we've had the hottest weather so far this year. The warm heat and high humidity make for great swimming conditions, and by the time August comes around, it should be a comfortable 85°F in most pools. Under 80°F, it can be a little chilly, and if you opt to swim in one of the lakes, chances are it will be a little cold when you first jump in. Luckily, controlling water temperature in pools in order to keep them comfortable can be managed with tools like solar covers and heaters. Thermostats are often kept in the pool in order to monitor the pool's water temperature. When it comes to sterile processing, temperature monitoring is a crucial element. The right water temperature is key whether you're manually or automatically washing surgical instruments. For an example: When using an automated instrument washer, the temperature of the initial rinse water should not exceed 45°C (113°F) and should remain significantly below this level. At 45°C, blood quickly denatures and becomes highly insolvent. If the washer utilizes an enzyme detergent, it is important that the temperature remain within the optimal range (typically 100°F - 125°F). If the washer utilizes non-enzyme detergent, the temperature is also important, with a minimum temperature typically being above 150°F. Using the right monitoring tools is imperative to help ensure the instruments you're cleaning are being reprocessed correctly.