2 the sensor - the american society of anesthesia ... the sensor creutzfeldt-jakob disease (cjd) is...
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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ANESTHESIA TECHNOLOGISTS AND TECHNICIANS FALL 2004
3 President’s Message 3 The Bair Hugger Award 4 Creutzfeld-Jakob Disease
6 Science & Technology: Stress Management 8-9 New Membership Application
10 Regional Activities 11 Combat Medical Readiness Training for TSAT
15 CIDEX® OPA Solution Labeling Change 19 Continuing Education Quiz 21 Who’s Who
is the quarterly publication of the American Society of Anesthesia
Technologists and Technicians
P.O. Box 624 Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417-0624
Mon.–Fri., 9AM to 5PM, Eastern Time
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Sheila Guston, CAE
Phone .............................................. 201/337-1555 Fax ................................................... 201/337-5073 E-mail ................................... [email protected]
Visit our Website at www.asatt.org
ASATT PRESIDENT Gerardo (Jerry) Trejo, Cer.A.TTWork: 832/355-8721Fax: 832/355-4423E-mail: [email protected]
ASATT PRESIDENT-ELECT Jonnalee Bill, Cer.A.T.Work: 603/650-5000 Beeper #9904Fax: 603/650-8980E-mail: [email protected]
ASATT IMMEDIATE PAST-PRESIDENTSharon Baskette, Cer.A.T.Work: 615/343-2073Fax: 615/343-1966E-mail: [email protected]
ASATT SECRETARY/TREASURERShannon Sayers-Rana, Cer.A.T.Work: 503/494-4778Fax: 503/494-4663E-mail: [email protected]
SENSOR EDITORMaretta Grandona, Cer.A.T.Work: 858/576-1700 ext. 5544Fax: 858/966-8524E-mail: [email protected]
THE SENSORprovides its readers with information on
anesthesia-related topics, and with a forum for learning and discussion. The views
expressed herein are those of individual authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views
or opinions of the ASATT.
All submissions pertinent to the objectives of the ASATT will be considered for publication.
Preferred media: CD-ROM or via e-mail. Photos in TIF or JPG formats preferred.
Photographic prints can be returned.
ISSUE DEADLINES:
Winter .............................................December 1stSpring ................................................... March 1stSummer .................................................... June 1stFall .................................................. September 1st
ADVERTISING INFORMATION:
Display rates can be requested from ASATT at 201/337-1555.
Classified rates are $8 per line, 2¼ inches wide, 5-line minimum in 10-point type.
COVER PHOTO: Maretta Grandona, Cer.A.T.Permission to publish all articles and photos
submitted to THE SENSOR will be assumed unless otherwise specified.
© 2004, The American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians
I would like to start by commenting on my experience attending the AANA Conference in Seattle: It
was great in all aspects, indeed! I had the opportunity to share a few minutes with the Nurse Anesthetists that visited the ASATT booth, including some that have passed through Baylor’s program and are now practicing in other parts of the country.
It was a pleasure to discover the focus of their interest: Those who did not know of the existence of our organization and wanted to know our mission and goals, and those who knew we existed, and were interested in how to assist their technicians to not only become involved, but to achieve cer-tification. Additionally, some vendors offered to participate in our meeting.
I want to especially thank Linda Bewley, Cer.A.T., ASATT Region 7 Director. Her assistance made it easy to staff the booth at all times so that we did not miss any visitors.
On another matter, the date for the Annual Meeting in Las Vegas is get-ting close. By the time you receive this SENSOR, it will be over. Nevertheless, I would like to use this occasion to invite all of you to join us in another learning experience and celebrate the 15th An-niversary of ASATT.
As always, I will end this letter with my old song: Get and stay involved! For those who received their member-ship notice for renewal and acted on it, thank you — ASATT is yours! Those who still have not done it, I encourage you to do so because ASATT needs you. We need a very strong organization and we can only achieve that if every single anesthesia technologist and technician is a member. Do not forget that certify-ing and maintaining your certification is very important too.
Thank you, and I will see you in Vegas!
— Jerry TrejoASATT President
The Bair Hugger AwardCongratulations to Sue Christian, Cer.A.T. and Oscar Arrue, Cer.A.T.,
the 2003 and 2004 recipients of the Bair Hugger Award.The Augustine Medical Award is back after a one-year hiatus, with a new
name. Arizant Medical Inc. has agreed to continue to sponsor this award for the best technical article in THE SENSOR. They have renamed the award the Bair Hugger Award.
In 2003, due to confusion over sponsorship, there was no award presented. The ASATT Board of Directors felt that it was important to recognize the significant contribution made to the membership by the authors of the technical articles. Jerry Trejo, 2003–2004 ASATT president agreed to finance the 2003 award from ASATT funds.
Early this year the ASATT negotiated ongoing support of this award with Arizant Medical Inc.
Previous recipients of this award are:
1995 Jim Tibbals, Cer.A.T. 1999 Tammy Sue Graffen, Cer.A.T.1996 L. Dianne Holley Mountain, Cer.A.T. 2000 Maretta Grandona, Cer.A.T.1997 Wayne Griffith, Cer.A.T. 2001 Richard Smith1998 Linda Bewley, Cer.A.T. 2002 Maretta Grandona, Cer.A.T.
4 THE SENSOR
CREUTZFELDT-JAKOB DISEASE (CJD) is an infectious, progres-sive, degenerative neurological
disorder requiring special precautions in the provision of perioperative care of patients, the protection of the health care team, and the decontamination of the instrumentation and operating room.
CJD is a prion disease. A prion is a proteinaceous, infective agent that is smaller than a virus, having a very long incubation period. There is no known treatment, and the disease is fatal. A de-finitive diagnosis of CJD is determined by brain biopsy.
Special precautions are needed be-cause the prion is extremely resistant to normal methods of decontamination and sterilization. Standard disinfectants such as formalin, heat, and exposure to ultraviolet light or x-rays are ineffective to inactivate the prion. Autoclaving at a temperature of at least 134°C (270°F) or immersion in 4% sodium hydroxide or 10% sodium hypochlorite solution for one hour is recommended for sterili-zation. Central nervous system tissue (brain, spinal cord, optic tissue, and ce-rebrospinal fluid) is considered highly infectious. Other tissue and body fluids are also infectious (spleen, liver, lymph, kidney, blood).
Urine, sweat, tears, saliva, stool, and breast milk are considered non-infectious.
The following precautions are used at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, for patients considered at high risk for CJD.
OPERATING ROOM POLICY1. Elective surgical procedures for
patients with known or suspected CJD, including but not limited to all brain biopsies for progressive dementia in the absence of tumor or abscesses, are scheduled Monday through Friday from 0700 to 1500.
Two circulating nurses are required and three hours are to be allowed for room cleanup.
2. Notify other departments involved (i.e. lab, instrument room, etc.)
3. All unnecessary equipment and supplies should be removed from the operating room prior to the beginning of the procedure.
4. Linens that are necessary for the case must be treated as biohazard waste and disposed of at the end of the case.
5. Power equipment is not to be used (e.g. craniotomy drills and saws). There is no method available to sterilize power equipment without damaging it. Power equipment also causes splatter and aerosolization.
6. Items requiring low temperature sterilization are not to be used (e.g. steriotactic frame, Stealth).
7. Sets of implants are not to be in the room. Individual items may be sterilized if necessary.
8. All personnel in the operating room must wear protective attire.a. Scrubbed personnel must wear
a gown, double gloves, mask, face shield, and boot-style shoe covers.
b. The circulating nurse handling contaminated items must wear a gown, mask, protective eyewear, double gloves and boot-style shoe covers.
c. The anesthesia care provider must wear gown, mask, protec-tive eyewear and gloves.
d. Other personnel must wear a mask and gloves.
9. One circulating nurse is to function in the role of a “clean circulator” — to minimize potential contami-nation of cupboards, telephones, chart, paperwork, etc. The other circulator handles any items that are contaminated with blood,
CREUTZFELDT-JAKOB DISEASERobert S. Jones, Sr., Cer.A.T., Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, Ohio
cerebrospinal fluid, or tissue.10. There should be no hand-passing
of sharp instruments.11. The specimen is placed on moist-
ened Telfa®, dropped into a sterile specimen container, and labeled. “CJD Precautions” should be added to the label. Place into specimen bag which is also labeled “CJD Precautions.” No formalin is to be added to the specimen. Formalin renders the prion indestructible. Please notify the lab that the speci-men is coming and send directly to pathology.
12. Following the surgical procedure, all disposable items are placed in red bags, boxed, and labeled “CJD PRECAUTIONS — MUST BE INCINERATED.” Contaminated fluids should be collected into suc-tion canisters, solidified, and dis-carded with disposable supplies.
13. Soiled reusable instruments are opened, wiped off with a dry cloth or sponge, and placed in the basket of a steam sterilization container. Instruments should not be im-mersed in water or scrubbed with a brush. Place basket in sterilizing container with indicator, cover with lid and place in autoclave in substerile room. Instruments are to be sterilized for 60 minutes at 134°C. On completion of the cycle, two people should verify the pa-rameters. The instruments can then be sent to the instrument room for routine decontamination and processing. Notify the instrument room that instruments are coming down following CJD protocol.
14. Protective attire worn for decon-tamination of the operating room should include masks, protective eyewear, boot-style shoe covers, gowns or yellow aprons, and nitrile examination gloves.
15. Contaminated areas of the operat-
Reprinted from the Spring2000 issue of THE SENSOR
SUMMER 2004 5
ing room should be cleaned with 4% sodium hydroxide solution and left standing for one hour.
16. After one hour, the sodium hy-droxide is rinsed off with water. The room is then cleaned as per terminal cleaning at the end of the day.
17. Extra sodium hydroxide must be neutralized before disposal. Neu-tralize with equal parts of acetic acid 4% then discard in the sink.
STAFF EXPOSURE1. Extreme caution should be taken
to avoid percutaneous or mucous membrane exposure to infectious tissue and body fluids.
2. In the event of a percutaneous exposure to infectious tissues or fluids:a. Rinse the skin with 4% sodium
hydroxide solution for several minutes.
b. Wash with soap and water.c. Report the exposure in accor-
dance with the hospital’s infec-tion control policy.
3. In the event of a mucous membrane
exposure to blood or cerebral spi-nal fluid:a. Irrigate the membrane with sa-
line or water.b. Report the exposure in accor-
dance with the hospital’s infec-tion control policy.
CLEANING AND STERILIZATION OF ANESTHESIA MACHINE1. Disassemble the patient path, in-
cluding the absorber system.2. Disassemble the scavenging path.3. Before autoclaving, clean absorber
system and scavenging parts with 4% sodium hydroxide solution and leave standing for one hour before autoclaving at 134°C.
CAUTION & WARNING
Some anesthesia machines cannot withstand autoclaving at temperatures above 121°C. If so, do not use these machines or they will have to be scraped because autoclaving is ineffective to inactivate the prion at such low temps. So, please read the operation and maintenance manual for all “sterilization notes’’ and try to have this be the last scheduled surgery of the day.
REFERENCES
Steelman V.Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: Recommenda-tions for Infection Control. American Jour-nal of Infection Control, 1994. 312-318.
Steelman V.Prion Diseases — An Evidence Protocol for Infection Control. AORN Journal, 1999, Vol. 69, No. 5. 946-967.
Donaldson, J. (1999).Mad Cow Disease: An Overview of Nursing Concerns Regarding the Spongiform Enceph-alopathies. To read this article online, go to www.nurseceu.com/cpu2.htm.
Steelman V.Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: Decontamina-tion Issues. Infection control and sterilization technology, 1996 September. 32-39.
RECERTIFICATIONAs a benefit to ASATT members, our management com-
pany, Total Management Solutions, maintains a database of educational contact hours earned through ASATT for certified technologists and technicians.
Educational programs that qualify for this database are:
• The annual ASATT national educational meeting.• The seven annual ASATT Regional meetings.• The SENSOR quiz.
In November, you will be sent a letter advising you of how many contact hours you have accrued. If you have a total of 20 hours, you will be automatically recertified when payment is submitted. If you have fewer than 20 hours, you will need to show proof of the remaining contact hours before you can recertify.
You must be a member of ASATT and maintain your membership to have your contact hours recorded in this database.
This database includes contact hours from all ASATT Regional meetings in 2004, and contact hours starting with the SENSOR quiz from the Spring 2004 issue.
The National Job Hotline
for Anesthesia Technicians hosted by the Department
of Anesthesia at the University
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Employers are invited to list their open positions at no charge. Positions are listed by state and city. To post your open positions on this site, just fill out the online form and click SUBMIT. Alternatively, provide the fol-lowing information via fax to Gail Walker, Cer.A.T. at 919/966-4873, or e-mail [email protected]:
• Name of facility • Contact person• Location (phone, fax, and/or e-mail address) (city and state) • Number of positions available
To submit a job posting or to check current job postings:
www.aims.unc.edu/NCSAT/NCSAT.html
Stress Managementby Maretta Grandona, Cer.A.T., Children’s Hospital and Health Center, San Diego, CA
6 THE SENSOR
STRESS IS THAT SENSE of being un-der pressure that can come from anyone, anything, any situation,
or even from your own imagination. It is a very individual thing, and noth-ing causes stress more than change! Buckling under pressure results in a fundamental inability to cope, either physically, mentally or socially.
We all experience stress ... but how much, how often, and how we handle it varies from day to day and person to person. The first tendency most of us have under stress is to blame someone else. But if our stress is attributed to someone else, it puts us under that person’s control, and that leads to helplessness, hopelessness, etc. Taking responsible action is the only way we have to regain a feeling of control.
The ideal way to handle stress is identifying and removing the root cause. With today’s hectic lifestyles, this is not always possible. We wear many hats: I am a wife, mother, employee, colleague, ASATT member, Regional Director, editor, and these are just some
of the roles I fill each day. Some days it’s a wonder I know which way is up.
Humor is another great way of handling stress. The ability to harness our sense of humor during stress and adversity gives us control.
Other tips for handling stress: • Take yourself lightly and your work
seriously. • Remember, you are not the center
of the universe. • Always think: “I’m okay, but the
job is in trouble” rather than “I’m in trouble” when things go wrong.
• Consciously separate who we are from what we do.
Face the factsPretending that you’re not stressed
won’t make the stress go away. Accept what has happened, face what is here, and be prepared for what might be on the way. It’s okay to feel stressed during a code blue or a trauma situation. On the other hand, remember that nothing is the end of the world, however much it may seem like it at the moment.
Act: Do what you canMake a list. Every morning make a
list of five things you need to achieve today. This will help you juggle your time and focus on things you need to do.
The items on your list should be SMART: Simple, Measurable, Attain-able, Realistic, Time-based. As you achieve the goals on your list, cross
them off; this will give you a sense of accomplishment and control. Put your high priority or most dreaded items at the top of the list. Reward
yourself as you accomplish them.Set limits. This will help you to find
balance in your life. Many people use the motto: God first, family second, career third.
Get expert help. Doctor, minister, support group, best friend. A problem shared is a problem halved.You don’t have to be “everything to everybody” or “super tech” all the time.
Relax. Take a coffee break, a three-day weekend, or a mini-vacation. A little downtime can help you see things more clearly.
The power of musicWhen stress hits, try music to soothe
the savage beast. You can play calming classical music — Pachelbel’s Canon, Beethoven’s Für Elise, or Vivaldi’s Four Seasons. Try something silly like the Beatles’ Ob-la-di Ob-la-da, or some-thing loud and riotous, like Tchai-kovsky’s 1812 Overture or Queen’s We Will Rock You or Bohemian Rhapsody.
The power of imageryWe’ve all heard this suggestion: To
relieve stress, especially in circum-stances where you need to speak before a large group of people, try to imagine everyone in their underwear. But to keep stress at bay, you can take it even further: Imagine your manager dressed as Disco Man — silver platform shoes with satin bell-bottom pants, shirt open two buttons too far, large collar. Co-workers driving you crazy? Imagine them at their next job — plunging the pogo stick in the lemonade bucket at a national fast food chain (and don’t for-
SUMMER 2004 7
get the silly uniform and the hat). The road hog in the big SUV that just tried to run you off the road? Picture the pressure building up in his arteries as he works himself into a heart attack. Or that guy in front of you doing 50 on the freeway. How did he get in front of you in the first place? Imagine an electronic sensor on the side of the freeway that activates a moveable arm that gently sweeps him off the road and leaves him stranded on the median strip with four flat tires. Kids driving you crazy? Plot your revenge for when you’re old and
doddery — turn the volume on the TV up way too loud, turn your hearing aid off so that you can’t hear when they talk to you, throw food, leave your walker in the hallway or in the middle of the driveway (behind the car), spill your drinks on the carpet, throw a tantrum if they try to leave you with a sitter.
Another imaging technique is to select a spot between your house and your workplace. As you pass that spot each day, figuratively toss your worries out the window. You do not have to report this to the EPA, because while
worry may be toxic to your well-being, it is harmless to the environment.
No one goes through life without fac-ing some stress. But properly handled, stress can be a positive force in your life. Although you will not eliminate all stress, you can strive to avoid exceeding your optimal level. You may find you can tolerate higher levels of stress in some things than in others.
You should, at all times, keep a posi-tive image of yourself and concentrate on the positive ways of coping with your stress.
DO...• Remember that tomorrow is another day• Try not to take yourself too seriously.• Learn to laugh often, especially at yourself. • Cultivate a good sense of humor.• Remember that whatever the situation, it is probably not all bad. • Ask yourself what is the worst thing that could happen. • Keep a positive self-image.• Welcome feedback.• Let bygones by bygones.• Rehearse beforehand how you will deal with a situation. • Catch a stressful situation early — before it escalates.• Make use of relaxation — including short spells during the day.• Learn from every experience, good or bad.• Remember how you coped in another situation and try to do
the same again. • Sort out what can be cured and what must be endured. • Keep yourself as healthy as possible.• Cultivate other interests to counteract stress.• Expend time and effort on human relationships — cultivate
friends.• Opt for the bird in the hand.• Be a good neighbor.• Grow old gracefully.• Cultivate your garden.• Take time off.• Smile. Whenever possible, laugh.• Accept what people have to offer.• Be your own person. • Give someone a hug.• Take a deep breath (or, better still, several).• Walk tall (physically and metaphorically).• Count to ten.• Leave the rat race to the rats.• See your glass as half full and not half empty.• Gather rosebuds.• Accept that half a loaf is better than no loaf at all. • Call or e-mail a friend.• Listen to yourself.
• Have a catnap.• Smell a flower, watch a cloud, write a poem, listen to music.• Share it.• Enjoy your achievements.• Kiss and make up.• Make time for yourself.• Take sensible steps to deal with a situation. • Count your blessings once in a while.• Be your own best friend — be nice to yourself, but accept
responsibility.• Recognize the value of sport, and other regular exercise, in
keeping fit and healthy and so better able to cope with problems as they arise. Dancing, a daily brisk walk or even more vigorous exercise can work wonders.
DON’T...• Don’t turn molehills into mountains.• Don’t beat your head against a brick wall.• Don’t bottle things up.• Don’t always want the upper hand.• Don’t jump down people’s throat.• Don’t blame it all on your parents/husband/wife/neighbor/cat.• Don’t wish you were someone else.• Don’t underestimate yourself.• Don’t be too busy to have time for friends and family.• Don’t refuse to listen.• Don’t look for trouble.• Don’t sigh.• Don’t tear your hair out (or you’ll have an extra problem).• Don’t let the sun go down on your anger.• Don’t be so sure the grass is greener on the other side.• Don’t stick your head in the sand.• Don’t tilt at windmills.• Don’t expect life to be fair.• Don’ expect to reform someone else.• Don’t loose sleep over it.• Don’t despair.• Don’t feel it’s too late.• Don’t indulge in negative self-deceiving pipe dreams.• Don’t make too many changes in your life all at once.
Some Stress Dos and Don’ts...
8 THE SENSOR
American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and TechniciansP.O. Box 624 • Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417-0624 • 201/337-1555
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION & CHANGE OF ADDRESS / EMPLOYMENT FORM
Last Name_________________________________________ First Name_____________________________ Middle Initial _______
Home Address___________________________________________________ E-mail ______________________________________
City________________________________________________ State/Province_______ ZIP Code/Mail Code ___________________
Home Phone (________)___________________________________May ASATT release your information to other constituents? Yes No
Employer/Affiliate_________________________________________ Dept.___________________ Title _______________________
Address_________________________________________________________ E-mail _____________________________________
City________________________________________________ State/Province_______ ZIP Code/Mail Code ___________________
Business Phone (________)________________________________ ext.________
Pager Number (________)________________________________ Fax (________)________________________________
Student Memberships:
Name and Address of School _______________________________________________________________________________
Name of Program____________________________________ Start Date______________ Graduation Date _______________
Method of Payment: Check enclosed Credit Card (circle one): Visa MasterCard
Card Number___________________________________________________ Exp. Date___________________ CVV* ____________*CVV = Card Verification Value, a 3-digit number on the back of the card
Please check your membership category listed below and send the correct amount of membership dues in U.S. Currency. (see next page for explanation of categories)
Active ...........................$50 Associate* ...................$60 Individual* ..................$60 Physician/Nurse .........$60 International* .............$70 Student* .......................$35 Corporate* ..................$50 Institutional* ............$100
*These categories provide all rights and privileges of active membership except holding office, chairing a committee and voting.
Change of Address Membership Number___________________________________________ (no charge)
Application not valid without signature:
Signature____________________________________________________________ Date of Application _______________________
ASATT reserves the right to verify employment and/or affiliations appropriate to the membership category requested. There will be a $20 fee assessed for returned checks.
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
Date Received________________________ Region__________ Membership Number _____ Check Number_______________
Amount $___________________________
Comments _____________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
page 1 of 2
SUMMER 2004 9
American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and TechniciansP.O. Box 624 • Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417-0624 • 201/337-1555
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION & CHANGE OF ADDRESS / EMPLOYMENT FORM PAGE 2 – Explanation of Categories
Individuals are afforded Active Member status if they live in the United States or its territories OR were active members prior to moving outside the U.S. borders or territories and meets ANY ONE of the following criteria:(1) Employed in a healthcare or research facility where their duties are comparable or equal to the duties of an anesthesia
technician, technologist, assistant or aide and who are supervised by either an anesthesiologist, anesthetist or individual given supervisory responsibility for anesthesia technical personnel; OR
(2) ASATT credentialed anesthesia technician/technologists who have maintained renewal of their credentials in accordance with ASATT regulations; OR
(3) Any retirees who were anesthesia technology practitioners and who have maintained their membership in good standing with ASATT; OR
(4) Active-duty U.S. military medical personnel who perform duties similar to those of anesthesia technology practitioners during the course of their military service; OR
(5) SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE: individuals who were Active members and due to their organization’s or facility’s reorganization or its economic reasons, the individual was displaced from technician duties but remains active and participates in ASATT. These individuals may continue to be recognized as Active members provided they continue to timely renew their membership and maintain an active role in the support or practice of anesthesia technology. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE INDIVIDUALS WHO MAKE A VOLUNTARY CHANGE IN THEIR PROFESSIONAL PURSUIT OF EMPLOYMENT. Active members in good standing shall be entitled to all the rights and privileges of membership in ASATT including voting, serving as committee chairs and holding office.
Lifetime membership is limited to those individuals who have served as President of ASATT. This category is regarded as an Active member status. (Note: Only the Board of Directors of ASATT can confer this membership status to an individual meeting the criteria.)
Individuals are afforded Associate member status if they hold a position related to anesthesia technology but do not meet the qualifications for Active member status. Associate members shall have all the rights and privileges of membership EXCEPT those of voting, holding office or chairing a standing committee of the Association. Subclasses of Associate membership include the following:• Individual Individual members are those who have an interest in the field of anesthesia technology but do not meet the qualifications
of an Active member.• Foreign / International Members Individuals are afforded foreign member status if they are anesthesia technology practitioners in any country other than the
U.S. or its territories AND (1) if they meet all of the qualifications of an Associate member AND they are citizens of or reside in any country other than the U.S. or its territories OR (2) any individual who is a member of an International Society of Anesthesia Technology.
• Student Member Student membership is opened to students enrolled in ASATT-recognized anesthesia technology training programs. Note:
Prior to January 1, 2004, students that have Active member status will remain as Active members provided they continue to renew their membership without any breaks of membership status. Upon completion of their program, re-application to ASATT in a non-student category is required. After January 1, 2004, all students applying for and accepted into membership in ASATT will qualify as an Associate member.
• Physician or Nurse Anesthetist Member Anesthesiologist or Nurse Anesthetist practitioners who support ASATT and its membership in the pursuit or practice of
anesthesia technology.• Industrial / Corporate Member Businesses, other profit-oriented organizations or individuals will be afforded Industrial membership if they meet the
qualifications of an Associate member and their primary occupation or business is — or they spend the majority of their working hours directly or indirectly in — the sale, distribution, manufacture of equipment or products used in anesthesia technology.
• Institutional Member Member This category is limited to academic, medical, hospital, philanthropic, scientific, governmental and non-profit organizations
that express an interest in anesthesiology.
ACTIVE
LIFETIME
ASSOCIATEMEMBER
10 THE SENSOR
REGION 1CT–ME–MA–NH–NJ–NY–RI–VTDirector: Joyce Freeman, Cer.A.T.Work: 315/464-2825 • Fax: 315/464-2888E-mail: [email protected]
Hi to everyone in Region 1. Next year’s Regional meeting will be April
9th in Syracuse, New York. It will be a one-day program. Please start making your plans to attend. I want to thank Adele Byrd who has helped sponsor some of our anesthesia techs so that they could come to the regional meeting.
REGION 2DE–IN–MD–MI–OH–PA–VA–WVDirector: Vicki Carse, Cer.A.T.Work: 412/232-8006 • Fax: 412/232-7384E-mail: [email protected]
With this being my last written report sub-mitted to The Sensor from Region 2, I would like to inform the members of the Region’s upcoming events as well as the most recent, exciting ASATT Educational Award winner.
The Ohio Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Techni-cians (OSATT) has several meetings scheduled for the fall season. Stay tuned to the ASATT Website for further details regarding upcoming meetings.
Second, I am very pleased and honored to announce this year’s ASATT Educational Award winner for Region 2. The Education Department of Lancaster Memorial Hospital was nominated and selected as the recipient of the 2004 ASATT award. Congratulations! I wish the individuals of the Lan-caster Education Department continued success with the learning opportunities presented to the ASATT members in the pursuit of education for the Anesthesia Technicians. THANK YOU!!
Lastly, I would like to officially announce the newly elected ASATT Region 2 Director — Tyrone Jacobs, Cer.A.T. Wel-come aboard, Tyrone! Your enthusiasm and vision for the future of ASATT should prove to be quite advantageous in
the continued success of ASATT. The best of luck to you!In closing, I would like to thank all of the members of
ASATT that I have had the wonderful chance to meet over the past several years at the ASATT Annual and Regional Educational Conferences. I shall value and cherish the solid, strong friendships that have developed. I hope to continue seeing all of you at future ASATT educational meetings so that we can “catch up on what is happening”! I have thor-oughly enjoyed myself serving as an elected officer of ASATT! I have grown both professionally as well as personally. Please stay in touch…..My sincerest thanks to all!
P.S. The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others!
REGION 3AL–FL–GA–KY–NC–SC–TNDirector: Sue Christian, Cer.A.T.E-mail: [email protected]
To all Region 3 members: I have relocated to Nashville, and am working at Vanderbilt University Hospital. My e-mail address has stayed the same; however in the course of several large storms (one of them being Ivan), lightning hit my house twice. The first time I was fortunate; the second time I lost my computer, among other things. If you e-mailed me and I did not respond, that is the reason. I have obtained a new computer, so that issue should be resolved. The area in which I will be working is currently under construction and as of yet, I do not have a direct phone line. If you need to get in touch with me, you may temporarily contact me at Sharon Baskette’s number and she will forward the message to me. That number is 615/343-2073. The Website will be updated as that information changes.
To all those members who voted for me for President-Elect, thank you. I appreciate your confidence in me and I will lead ASATT to the best of my abilities.
It was a pleasure to see everyone in Las Vegas and for those of you who could not make it, I hope to see you in New Orleans in 2005!
ASATTREGIONALACTIVITIES
SUMMER 2004 11
REGION 4IL–IA–MN–MO–ND–SD–WIDirector: Mary McGavock, LPN, Cer.A.T.Work: 262/785-2177 • Fax: 262/785-2420 E-mail: [email protected]
Hope everyone had a great summer. Here in Wisconsin we are still waiting for summer to arrive. Pumpkins are starting to turn orange, so maybe we will skip it this year.
Well, Region 4 members, I am here for another two years, so please contact me if you have any concerns. I am looking forward to getting started on planning another great meet-ing. So watch the Website for new information. Who wants to host a meeting?
REGION 5AR–CO–KS–LA–MS–NE–OK–TXDirector: Wadie Williams, Jr., RRT, RCP, Cer.A.T. Work (main dept.): 832/355-6301 Work (office): 832/355-6051 • Fax: 832/355-4423E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
The annual Region 5 meeting was held August 14th in Houston at the Denton A. Cooley Auditorium located in
the Texas Heart Institute at St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital. The meeting offered 7CE credits and was well attended. My sincere thanks to our vendors and sponsors for helping us have another very successful meeting. This year’s vendors and sponsors were: Cardinal Health, Air Liquide, GE Health IT, Siemens (Cardiology), Edwards, Belmont Industries, Zoll Medical, Tri-Anim, Masimo, Pall Medical, Organon, Vital Signs, GE Ultrasound, MedWave, Arizant, Baxter and Draeger Medical. Thanks again for their support and involvement in our society and region.
This year’s Regional meeting also included a presenta-tion of the Texas Governor’s Proclamation declaring March 24-31 as Anesthesia Technician Week. Both the ASATT and TSAT presidents made the presentation to the Regional members.
The winner for the Free Annual Meeting registrations is Irene Mosley, Cer.A.T. from Little Rock, Ark. Irene won the contest for bringing in the most new ASATT members dur-ing the contest period. Congratulations Irene ... ASATT and I really appreciate your hard work and dedication to helping us get better and grow.
The San Antonio Society for Anesthesia Technology in conjunction with the Texas Society for Anesthesia Technol-ogy held their joint annual meeting on September 11th at
Combat Medical Readiness Training for TSATOn Saturday, September 11th, 30 members of the Texas Soci-
ety of Anesthesia Technology (TSAT) attended and successfully completed the first-ever Combat Medical Readiness Training Class in San Antonio at Lackland Air Force Base.
The seminar was held in Camp Ressington. The terrain was a rough wooded area, and provided a very realistic military-like M*A*S*H tent hospital environment. The simulated scenarios included patients being flown in by helicopter and evacuated to the M*A*S*H hospital tent for triage, and medical treatment of the wounds that each “patient” had sustained. The weather that day was hot and humid, which also added to the scenario. The mannequin patients used for the seminar all had multiple artificial moulages of realistic-looking open wounds, fractures and burns.
The entire seminar of medical readiness training was pre-sented in a sequence, which allowed maximum hands-on training for each anesthesia technician. The course provided instruction in triage and medical treatment of mass casualties, transporting treated mass casualties using military litters, methods used in detection and medical treatment of patients exposed to chemical and biological agents, classroom presentations and demonstra-tion of proper patient loading and unloading aboard an Air Force C-130 aircraft, operation and function of a miniature Ohmeda field type anesthesia machine, vaporizer, and ventilator used in the field to treat war casualties in Iraq. This small anesthesia apparatus fits into a small metal bread box, and is very light in weight. It is extremely adaptable for military use. Each anesthesia technician took an active role in the demonstrations.
The afternoon seminar offered demonstrations of the million-
dollar human-like patient simulator, which incorporates all the cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, and pharmacological human responses. Hands-on training included oral intubation and realistic OR emergency scenarios. The anesthesia techni-cians were shown how to make instant medical assessment and treat any conceivable extent of trauma or illness with instinctive measures that have proven to save lives, cultivating teamwork in crisis management.
All the anesthesia technicians received a TSAT T-shirt and TSAT surgical cap. Six hours of continuing education were awarded for the seminar.
Special thanks to Bruce R. Mrachek of Glaxo Smith Kline on-cology and acute care for sponsoring this seminar. This seminar would not have been possible without the valuable assistance of our instructors: James Willis, CRNA, Major, U.S. Army retired; Dr. James Johnson, Captain, U.S. Air Force; Dr. Renard Sessions, Major, U.S. Air Force; Dr. Elvin Cruz, Captain, U.S. Air Force.
In closing: All the anesthesia technicians who attended the military war medical readiness training felt very proud of what they had accomplished. With a deeper appreciation of what our soldiers and counterparts in the military are providing daily in the ongoing war in Iraq and Afghanistan. I personally feel that this type of medical readiness training is needed for anesthesia technicians. At this moment, after listening to the feedback pro-vided, we here in Texas will soon start making preparations for a second Medical Readiness Training Class.
God bless our soldiers! Raul SanchezTSAT President
continued, page 12
12 THE SENSOR
Wilford Hall in San Antonio. The meeting offered six CEUs and feedback about the meeting was great.
REGION 6AZ–CA–NM–NV–UTDirector: Maretta Grandona, Cer.A.T.Work: 858/576-1700 ext 5544 • Fax: 858/966-8524E-mail: [email protected]
Thank you for your continued support of my role as your Regional Director. Over the years I have gotten to know many of the members in the Region, and I always enjoy meeting you, talking with you and helping to resolve any issues that might come up.
Mark your calendars for next year’s Annual Regional Meet-ing. The date has not yet been finalized, but we are looking at February 2005. Mike Messman has agreed to host the meet-ing again in Reno, NV. It promises to be another excellent meeting with great topics and speakers to keep us motivated
Regional activities ...continued from page 11
and energized.We are continuing to push forward with plans for a
CNSATT meeting to be held in CA in the summer of 2005. If you are interested in joining CNSATT or hosting a meet-ing, please let me know.
REGION 7AK–HI–ID–MT–OR–WA–WY)Director: Linda Bewley, Cer. A.T.Work: 503/216-4353 • Fax: 503/216-2383E-mail: [email protected]
Hi all from the Great Northwest. I am sorry we were unable to hold the August meeting as planned, but we will have a meeting in Washington in May of 2005. I am still planning a meeting for the last Saturday of March 2005 — plan to celebrate Anesthesia Tech Day in Hawaii.
Anyone who would like the handout for MH, please contact me. Hope to see you all in Las Vegas for the national meeting!
Transporting mass casualties by litter.
The rugged terrain provided a realistic setting for litter transport.
Litters loaded inside the C-130.
TSAT members at the Combat Medical Readiness Training Class in San Antonio.
TSAT’s Combat Medical Readiness Training – September 11, 2004
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SUMMER 2004 15
Product NotificationCIDEX® OPA Solution - Labeling Change
April 23, 2004
Dear Valued Customer,
Advanced Sterilization Products (ASP) has received reports suggesting the possibility of sensiti-
zation to CIDEX® OPA Solution with repeated exposure. Accordingly, ASP has made additions to
the product Instructions for Use (IFU). Please note the highlighted areas in the attached IFU. This
action has been taken in keeping with our commitment to customer education, and the safe and
proper use of our products.
In rare instances CIDEX OPA Solution has been associated with anaphylaxis-like reactions in blad-
der cancer patients undergoing repeated cystoscopies. Therefore, ASP is contraindicating the
use of CIDEX OPA Solution for the reprocessing of any urological instruments to be used
on patients with a history of bladder cancer.
Additionally, we received reports that, in rare instances, healthcare workers experienced an irrita-
tion or possible allergic reaction that may be associated with exposure to CIDEX OPA Solution. It
appears that in most of these cases the healthcare workers were not using the product in a manner
consistent with the Instructions for Use.
In order to reduce the risk of residual disinfectant exposure to your patients, please make sure to
follow all recommendations in the IFU, and especially the instructions for cleaning and rinsing instru-
ments when using CIDEX OPA Solution. In addition, please ensure that users wear the necessary
personal protective equipment and process instruments in a well-ventilated area, as described in
the product IFU.
Thank you for your continued support of ASP and our CIDEX® Family of Products. As always, ASP
remains committed to protecting your patients and your staff.
Should you have any questions about the labeling change or require technical information, please
contact ASP Customer Support at 1-800-370-4632.
Regards,
Nevine Erian Vice President, Quality Systems
...additional information on page 16
16 THE SENSOR
CIDEX® OPA Solution should not be utilized to process any urologi-cal instrumentation used to treat patients with a history of bladder cancer. In rare instances CIDEX OPA Solution has been associated with anaphylaxis-like reactions in bladder cancer patients undergoing repeated cystoscopies.The use of CIDEX OPA Solution with semi-critical devices must be part of a validated rinsing procedure as provided by the device manufacturer. See DIRECTIONS FOR USE Rinsing Instructions — for important information on rinsing.ALWAYS follow the Directions For Use, Rinsing Instructions (Part B) and the SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS for transesophageal echocardiog-raphy (TEE) probes EXACTLY or residues of CIDEX OPA Solution may remain on the device. Failure to follow rinsing instructions exactly has resulted in reports of chemical burns, irritation, and staining of the mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach.
PRECAUTIONSRinsing Instructions
1. RINSING PROCEDURE a) Manual Processing:
• Following removal from CIDEX OPA Solution, thoroughly rinse the medical device by immersing it completely in a large volume (e.g. 2 gallons) of water. Use sterile water unless potable water is acceptable. See item 2 or 3 below.
• Keep the device totally immersed for a minimum of 1minute in duration, unless a longer time is specified by the reusable device manufacturer.
• Manually flush all lumens with large volumes (not less than 100 mL) of rinse water unless otherwise noted by the device manufacturer.
• Remove the device and discard the rinse water. Always use fresh volumes of water for each rinse. Do not reuse the water for rinsing or any other purpose.
• Repeat the procedure TWO (2) additional times, for a total of THREE (3) RINSES, with large volumes of fresh water to remove CIDEX OPA Solution residues. Residues may cause serious side effects. SEE WARNINGS. THREE (3) SEPA-RATE, LARGE VOLUME WATER IMMERSION RINSES ARE REQUIRED.
• Refer to the reusable medical device manufacturer’s labeling for additional rinsing instructions.
b) Automated Processing:• Select a rinse cycle on an automatic endoscope reprocessor
that has been validated for use with this product.• Ensure that the automated rinse cycle selected will thor-
oughly rinse the medical device including all lumens with large volumes of sterile or potable water equivalent to the reusable device manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Verify that each rinse is a minimum of one minute in du-ration unless the reusable device manufacturer specifies a longer time. Ensure that a fresh volume of water is used for each rinse. Do not reuse the water for rinsing or any other purpose.
• Refer to the reusable device manufacturer’s labeling for ad-ditional rinsing instructions.
2. STERILE WATER RINSE: The following devices should be rinsed with sterile water, using sterile technique when rinsing and handling:• Devices intended for use in normally sterile areas of the
body.• Devices intended for use in known immunocompromised
patients, or potentially immunocompromised patients based on institutional procedures (e.g., high risk population served).
When practical, bronchoscopes, due to a risk of contamination from potable water supply. Although microorganisms in this type of water system are not normally pathogenic in patients with healthy immune systems, AIDS patients or other immuno-compromised individuals may be placed at high risk of infection by these opportunistic microorganisms.
3. POTABLE WATER RINSE: For all other devices, a sterile water rinse is recommended when practical. Otherwise, potable tap water rinse is acceptable. When using potable water for rinsing, the user should be aware of the increased risk of recontami-nating the device or medical equipment with microorganisms which may be present in potable water supplies. Water treat-ment systems, such as softeners or deionizers, may add mi-croorganisms to the treated water to the extent that microbial content of the water at the point of use could exceed that of the pretreated drinking water. To ensure proper water quality, adherence to maintenance of the water treatment system(s) is recommended.The use of a bacterial retentive (0.2 micron) filter system may eliminate or greatly reduce the amount of these waterborne bacteria from the potable water source. Contact the manufac-turer of the filter or UV system for instructions on preventative maintenance and periodic replacement of the filter to avoid colonization or formation of biofilms in the filter.A device that is not completely dried provides an ideal situation for rapid colonization of bacteria. As these waterborne bacteria are highly resistant to drying, rapid drying will avoid possible colonization but may not result in a device free from these bac-teria. A final rinse using a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution can be used to speed the drying process and reduce the numbers of any organism present as a result of rinsing with potable water.
Special Instructions for Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) probe reprocessingAs with all devices, carefully follow all probe manufacturer recom-mendations such as use of a sterile protective sheath when performing TEE. Soaking for a minimum of 12 minutes in CIDEX OPA Solution is required for high level disinfection (HLD). Excessive soaking of the probes (e.g., longer than an hour) during HLD and/or not rins-ing three times with a fresh quantity of water each time as described in Part B, may result in residual CIDEX OPA Solution remaining on the device, the use of which may cause staining, irritation or chemical burns of the mouth, throat, esophagus and stomach.
Some critical points of information accompanying CIDEX OPA are shown below.Go to www.sterrad.com for more complete information.
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SUMMER 2004 19
To test your knowledge on the Science and Technology article, “Stress Management” on page
6, provide correct answers to the following questions on the form
below. Correct answers will be printed in the next Sensor.
To obtain Continuing Education/Contact Hours, follow the
instructions on the form, below.
CONTINUING EDUCATION QUIZ
Name______________________________________________________ ASATT Number _______________________________
Street Address________________________________________________________ Phone ______________________________
City___________________________________________________________ State ________ZIP+4 _______________________
Signature___________________________________________________________________ Date _________________________
To apply for Continuing Education/Contact Hours:(1) Provide all the information requested on this form.
(2) Provide the correct answers to this issue’s quiz . . . HERE
(3) Mail this form along with $5 (check or money order, payable to ASATT) to:
ASATT P.O. Box 624 Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417-0624
1. Stress is something that is: A. Real C. Individual B. Imagined D. All of the above
2. Ways to handle stress include: A. Humor B. Identifying the cause C. Asking for help D. All of the above
3. SMART goals are: A. Simple, Monitored, Achievable, Reliable, Team-based B. Short, Measured, Attainable, Reliable, Timely C. Simple, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-based D. Successful, Manageable, Achievable, Realistic, Team-based
4. Experiencing stress is a sign of character weakness. T F
1: A B C D
2: A B C D
3: A B C D
4: T F
The answers to the Fall 2004 “Continuing Education Quiz” are:(circle correct answers)
5. If you put off resolving issues or blame someone else your stress will go away.
T F
6. Trying to be everything to everybody puts you at increased risk for stress.
T F
7. The main message in this article is:
A. The author has too much stress in her life. B. Stress is just something we all have to put up with. C. Wearing platform shoes and bell- bottom pants will make your stress go away. D. Keep a positive image of yourself and concentrate on positive ways of coping with your stress.
5: T F
6: T F
7: A B C D
Answers...to the ASATT Quiz inTHE SENSOR (Spring 2004): 1. A 5. C 2. F 6. E 3. D 7. B 4. E
Answers...to the ASATT Quiz inTHE SENSOR (Summer 2004): 1. F 4. F 2. T 5. B 3. F 6. A
20 THE SENSOR
CONGRATULATIONS. . . to the following people who were the 2004 winners of the Regional Education Awards.
Region 1 — Adele Byrd
Region 2 — Education Department
of Lancaster General Hospital
Region 3 — Teresa H. Alston
Region 4 — Dale Carl
Region 5 — Irene A. Moseley, Cer.A.T.
Region 6 — Michael Messman, Cer.A.T.
Region 7 — Nora Tiffany
. . . to the following people who passed the Technician Level Exam in July, August and September:
Jorge Dawany Almazan, Jason P. Bleizeffer, Bobbie J. Cherry, Victor C. Cina, Joseph James Esposito, Kath-erine E. Findley, Ryan C. Goldsmith, Charles Franklin Locke, Nnaemeka Maduakor, Mary Kay Olesen, Jodi M. Price, Rex L. Raglin, Tracy T. Vo, Thomas Watson, Duane E. Yocum.
What’ll YOU be doing a year from now?
MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW for the 2005 ASATT annual meeting and educational seminar, October 20–23, 2005, in New Orleans.
Set in a bend of the great Mississippi River, nicknamed the Crescent City, New Orleans will steal your heart if you give it a chance. A proud, regal city, birthplace of jazz, home to the Saints and the Hornets, this southern lady is a city of extremes. While the official state beverage of Louisiana is milk, New Orleans is perhaps better known for Mardi Gras, the French Quarter, streetcars, crawfish, hurricanes and late-night revelry.
Schedule some time for a riverboat ride, visit Plantation Alley, sample the local Cajun and Creole dishes prepared by some of the best chefs in the country, and don’t forget to factor in at least 12 hours of continuing educa-tion. Come as you are; leave different.
Hotel and conference de-tails will be posted on the ASATT Website and printed in upcoming issues of THE SENSOR.
Abbott LaboratoriesAmbu
ARC MedicalArizant Healthcare
Aspect Medical Baxter Healthcare
Belmont Instrument Corp.Edwards Life Science
GE HealthcareKing Systems
Life-TechLMA North America
Mainline Medical
Masimo CorporationNova MedRen-Lor
Salter LabsSharn Anesthesia
Vital Signs
. . . to the following companies that have demonstrated their ongoing support of the ASATT by early registration as exhibitors and sponsors of the ASATT national meeting in Las Vegas in October of 2004. Without this financial commitment, ASATT would not exist. Please be sure to thank your sales reps the next to you see them.
Thank you . . .
SUMMER 2004 21
What is your current position?
Tyrone: Anesthesia Technician, Cer.A.T.
Valerie: I am currently the Assistant Manager for the Anesthesia Dept. at Baystate Medical Center.
How many years have you been in the anesthesia field?
Tyrone: Twenty-two years.
Valarie: I have been with the Anes-thesia Department here for 23 years.
What do you find the most challenging about your job?
Tyrone: No challenges, just JOY in doing it!!
Valarie: Change and the increasing technology that everyone is expected to know. We had eight operating rooms when I first started with anesthesia and we now have 33 ORs with several ancillary sites. We have been able to standardize on equipment and supplies in each unit, even though each area is run by a different physician.
What secret vice can you confess?
Tyrone: There are no secrets. Just do your best and learn all you can.
Valarie: I enjoy wearing black dresses and dancing all night.
What has been your proudest accom-plishment so far in life?
Tyrone: Jesus Christ and four of the greatest kids a dad can have.
Valarie: My family, which consists of my husband, four children and grandchildren.
What is you favorite food?
Tyrone: Anything cooked by my mother!
Valarie: I enjoy all types of food, which is why I’m a lifetime member of Weight Watchers.
You have just won your dream vaca-tion. Where would you go?
Tyrone: Alaska and Rome.
Valarie: Hawaii.
People would be very surprised to know that:
Tyrone: There are no surprises.
Valarie: I have 12 grandchildren.
If a magic genie could grant you one wish, what would it be?
Tyrone: To be able to chat with my father, brother and grandmother (all in Heaven now).
Valarie: That I could ensure good health for my family and friends.
It’s your day off. What do you enjoy doing with your time?
Tyrone: Whatever strikes my fan-cy!
Valarie: Visiting with family and friends and playing games — Boggle, Scrabble or other games.
What is your favorite type of music?
Tyrone: Gospel.
Valarie: The soulful oldies.
What would you like to get around to doing one of these days?
Tyrone: Healthy retirement!!
Valarie: Relax on a warm white sandy beach with my family and grand-children.
What is your favorite movie?
Tyrone: Don’t have one!
Valarie: Beaches.
What goals, expectations or changes do you foresee being accomplished by ASATT?
Tyrone: Strength and growth in all areas!
Valarie: ASATT has accomplished a lot in their short period of existence. I would like to see all hospitals recognize ASATT just as they do ASA, AORN and ASPAN. They should encourage their technicians to become involved in ASATT. One very good vision I see is ASATT working through the Re-gional Directors sending informational packages and a copy of THE SENSOR to every hospital where there is no current ASATT involvement.
It would be great to see more college programs developed for the Anesthesia Technicians to become certified, and also have those that have accomplished this on their own be grandfathered in. This would allow the student techni-cians “hands-on experience” at the different hospitals and take the burden of the complete education off the An-esthesia Department.
Tyrone Jacobs, Cer.A.T. Valarie Johnson, RN, Cer.A.T.
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF ANESTHESIA TECHNOLOGISTS AND TECHNICIANSP.O. Box 624 • Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417-0624201/337-1555 • Fax 201/337-5073 • www.asatt.org
TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION EXAMINATION APPLICATION FORM APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS (Certificates MUST be attached to this application):(1) EMPLOYMENT: Minimum of two (2) years of full-time day shift work experience or twenty-four (24) hours a week as an (1) Anesthesia Technician in a healthcare setting and/or completion of an approved anesthesia technician program of study.(2) EDUCATION: High school diploma or its equivalent (GED) certificate.If the above information is not provided, your application will be returned, less a $50 processing fee.
Type or print all information clearly!
First Name__________________________________ Middle Initial__________ Last Name __________________________________________
Permanent Mailing Address _____________________________________________________________________________________________
City____________________________________________________________________ State________ ZIP+4 __________________________
Home Phone_______________________ Business Phone_________________________ Social Security Number _________________________
Employer/Affiliation______________________________________________________________ Your Title _____________________________
Technician Experience Level:
Less than 2 years 2 to 4 years 5 to 7 years 8 to 10 years 11 to 13 years 14 years or more
APPLICATION FEE: Active ASATT Member ......... $225 (U.S. Funds)*
Non-Member .......................... $300 (U.S. Funds)*
REAPPLICATION FEE: Active ASATT Member ......... $150 (U.S. Funds)*
Non-Member .......................... $225 (U.S. Funds)*
My ASATT Member Number
Institutional Membership does not constitute Active Membership.*Reapplication discount only applies the following year.
METHOD OF PAYMENT: Cash Enclosed Cashier’s Check Enclosed Money Order Enclosed Hospital Draft MasterCard Visa
FEE AMOUNT: $___________________
Credit Card Account Number ______________________________________________________________
Expiration Date_____________________ Signature ____________________________________________
Name and billing address exactly as listed on the card, if different than above:
First Name__________________________________ Middle Initial__________ Last Name ______________________________________
Permanent Mailing Address _________________________________________________________________________________________
City____________________________________________________________________ State________ ZIP+4 ______________________
Make check, cashier’s check, money order or hospital draft payable to ASATT.
Results of the Examination: Your score report will indicate a “pass or fail” and be provided after your computer test.Refusal or Denial: An application will be refused or denied if the applicant has: (1) Not met the employment or educational requirements (see top of form); (2) Attempted to obtain certification by deception or fraud; (3) Unauthorized possession and/or distribution of the ASATT Examination.Statement of Application: I certify that I have read all portions of this application. I believe that I comply with all admission policies and requirements for the ASATT Certificate Examination. The information I have submitted is complete and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that if the information I have submitted is incomplete or inaccurate, my application may be rejected. I further understand that this is a national exam; therefore, the material covered may differ from the job responsibilities that a technician may have in any facility.
SIGNATURE__________________________________________________________________ DATE ___________________
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY Employment letter attached: ________ Educational diploma/certificate: ________ Notations:
Fees enclosed:_________________
Card used: MasterCard Visa
American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians P.O. Box 624 Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417-0624
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED