Cost analysis on three sterilization methods

Abstract

Introduction: Delay of surgeries due to lack of sterilized instruments, generates high costs of medical services; therefore it is necessary to establish information regarding efficient methods of sterilization.

Objective: To identify the best cost -effective method among 3 different systems: superoxidation of neutral Ph method (M6O), plasma of peroxide hydrogen method, and pressure, saturated steam method, in a surgical unit.

Methodology: A complete economic evaluation of cost-effectiveness type was done in a hospital of third level. First, a quote of fixed costs included: infrastructure costs for three different methods of sterilization. Secondly, the variable costs were calculated for each cycle of sterilization and were established through monitoring and recording the number of loads, staff, materials, and supplies for each method. Finally, the total cost was equal to the addition of fixed and variable costs. The measurement of effectiveness was the percentage of sterilized equipment by each method. To establish the difference among the groups, a statistic analysis was done through the Square Chi method.

Results: The average costs for each load through steam sterilization was $1,049.00 Mexican pesos; with plasma was $6,710.88 Mexican pesos, and with M60 of $87.50 Mexican pesos. The plasma method obtained 95% of sterilized equipments, steam 95%, and M60 100%. None significant statistic difference for effectiveness was found.

Conclusion: As no effectiveness differences were found, the analysis of minimized costs was concluded that the method M60 showed to be the less expensive.