1. Block, S. S. Peroxygen compounds. In: S.S. Block, ed., Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation, 4th ed. Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger, 1991, pp. 167-181.
2. Alfa, M.H., DeGagne, P., Olson, N., Puchalski, T. Comparison of plasma and 100% ethylene oxide sterilizers to the 12/88 ethylene oxide gas sterilizer. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology 1996.
3. Alfa, M.H., DeGagne, P., Olson, N., Hizon, R., Comparison of liquid chemical sterilization with peracetic acid and ethylene oxide sterilization for long narrow lumens. Am J Infect Control 1998, pp. 469-477.
4. Whitbourne, J., Preston, M. Sterilization of reusable medical devices: Evaluation of a liquid chemical sterilization process using peracetic acid. Minimally Invasive Surgical Nursing 9:111-117, 1995.
5. Hutchings, I. J., Xezones, H. Comparative evaluation of the bactericidal efficiency of peracetic acid, quaternaries and chlorine-containing compounds. In: Proceedings of the 49th annual meeting of the Society of American Bacteriology. Cincinnati, OH: American Society of Microbiology, 1949.
6. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS #58779-1), STERIS 20 Sterilant Concentrate, STERIS Corporation, August 1994.
7. Malchesky, P.S. Peracetic acid and its application to medical instrument sterilization. Artif Organs 17:147-152, 1993.
8. The United States Pharmacopeia XXII, NF XVII, 1990 Microbiology tests/Sterility tests (71), pp. 1483-1488. The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc., Rockville, MD.

Anne Burke, R.N., B.S., has over 20 years of experience in the nursing profession and is a Clinical Services Specialist with STERIS Corporation.

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