1 2 0 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • J U L Y 2 0 1 7
Flash Forward
F
lash sterilization goes by many names: flashing, short-
cycle steam sterilization, immediate-use steam sterilization
(IUSS). Regardless of what you call it, it means the same
thing: subjecting unwrapped instruments to an abbreviat-
ed steam sterilization cycle with no drying or packaging,
and then using the instruments promptly after the cycle is complete
rather than storing them for later use.
"Flash," which arose out of the abbreviated time of exposure of the
unwrapped device, has fallen out of favor. It now goes by IUSS. And
it's generally frowned upon, especially if you're doing so on a routine
The unexpected benefits of abstaining
from immediate-use steam sterilization.
Megan L. Lamoreux, RN, BSN, CNOR | Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
• IMMEDIATE BENEFITS? Although using immediate-
use steam sterilization can return instruments to the
sterile field quickly, it can also increase infection risk.