User's Manual

Telemetry Transmitters User Manual Page 8 of 10
On-Site Resterilization of Transmitters
This procedure will increase the number of times an investigator can use each transmitter before returning it to DSI
for refurbishment.
Supplies Needed:
1. Bio- or enzymatic detergent
These are available from most hospital supply companies. They are generally labeled for use on fabrics or surgical
equipment/instruments; check to be sure they are considered safe for these applications. The purpose of the
detergent is to remove blood, serum proteins, and tissue debris from the surface of the transmitter. Some brand
names that have been used successfully are: Kleer-o® (Ulmer Pharmaceuticals), Haemo-sol® (Curtin Matheson),
Medizyme® (Whitley Chemical), and Terg-A-Zyme® (Alconox, Inc.). If you are unsure that your current enzymatic
detergent is safe for use on your transmitters, please contact Data Sciences’ Technical Support for assistance.
2. 2% Activated Glutaraldehyde
This is also available from most hospital supply companies. It is considered a chemical disinfectant and is effective
against most agents commonly encountered in a research environment. One commonly found brand is Cidex
(Surgikos). Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use. Gluteraldehyde is also available in concentrate that can
be diluted to 2%. It is important to note that 2% glutaraldehyde is an unstable solution with a shelf life of 14 days.
3. Sterile Saline
Provides a rinse for the sterilized transmitter to remove all traces of the glutaraldehyde prior to implantation. Also
can be used to temporarily store (< 4 hours) the transmitter aseptically until surgical implantation. See section on
transmitter storage if you need to store the transmitters for longer than a few hours.
Temperature Transmitters
Following removal from the animal, the transmitter should be rinsed to remove gross contamination from blood and
tissue. The transmitter can then be placed into the enzymatic detergent and allowed to soak in the detergent for at
least 30 minutes to allow breakdown of the surface contaminants. The transmitter should then be removed and
examined. If traces of blood or tissue remain, use gauze to wipe the surface until it is clean. Transmitters with the
thermistor probe option may require gentle manual abrasion to remove tissue. Rinse the transmitter in tap water
thoroughly.
Place the transmitter into fresh 2% activated glutaraldehyde (shelf life of 14 days). The transmitter should be left in
the glutaraldehyde for at least 4 hours. For the best results, we recommend overnight (12 hours).
Place the transmitter into sterile saline for 15-30 minutes to rinse away the glutaraldehyde. We recommend at least
two separate rinses. Following the final rinse, the transmitter can be left in the saline until ready for implantation.
Biopotential Transmitters
Following removal from the animal, the transmitter should be rinsed to remove gross contamination from blood and
tissue. Care should be taken to clean the suture ribs and remove any suture material that may be present. The
transmitter can then be placed into the enzymatic detergent and allowed to soak in the detergent for at least 30
minutes to allow breakdown of the surface contaminants. The transmitter should then be removed and examined. If
traces of blood or tissue remain, use gauze to wipe the surface until it is clean. Rinse the transmitter in tap water
thoroughly. Prior to cold sterilization, use a piece of suture to tie off the ends of the biopotential leads. This will
prevent any leakage of the gluteraldehyde into the lead, where it could cause tissue damage in the next implanted
animal.
Place the transmitter into fresh 2% activated glutaraldehyde (shelf life 14 days). The transmitter should be left in the
glutaraldehyde for at least 4 hours. For the best results, we recommend overnight (12 hours).
Place the transmitter into sterile saline for 30-60 minutes to rinse away the glutaraldehyde. We recommend at least
two separate rinses. Following the final rinse, the transmitter can be left in the saline until ready for implantation.
Prior to implantation the suture sealing the lead material should be cut off.