South Carolina Code of Regulations
Chapter 61 - DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
Subchapter 61-109 - STANDARDS FOR PERMITTING BODY PIERCING FACILITIES
Sec2 61-109.1200 - INFECTION CONTROL AND ENVIRONMENT
Section 61-109.1200.1204 - Sterilization of Equipment (I)

A. All used surgical equipment intended for reuse shall be properly scrubbed clean of visible materials and soaked for a minimum of twenty (20) minutes in a liquid germicidal solution approved by the Department, which shall be used in accordance with the manufacturer's direction. The equipment shall then be immediately placed in a mechanical ultrasonic cleanser for at least twenty-five (25) minutes prior to being re-sterilized by autoclave. The ultrasonic cleanser shall be clearly labeled as "biohazardous" and shall be located as far as possible from the autoclave within the disinfection or sterilization room.

B. Facilities shall properly package and sterilize by autoclave those needles, instruments, other surgical equipment, and body piercing items or jewelry that are not single-use or disposable, shall include a sterile indicator, and shall include a label with the date of sterilization.

C. A facility utilizing single-use or disposable equipment and/or instruments shall not be required to re-sterilize by autoclave those single-use and/or disposable items provided they are utilized and disposed of in accordance with the manufacturer's directions and not reused in any manner on another client.

D. Single-use items shall not be used on more than one (1) client for any reason unless properly sterilized. After use, all single-use needles, razors, and other sharps shall be immediately disposed of in approved sharps containers.

E. Each facility shall keep a written log for two (2) years of autoclave use, to include, but not be limited to, date and time of use and sterilization spore test strip results conducted at least monthly. (II)