3M Steri-Vac GS Series, Operator'Smanual

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3M ™ Steri-Vac
™
Sterilizer / Aerator GS Series – Operator’s Manual
11.2. Packaging Medical Devices
Non-compatible packaging and/or incorrect loading of the 3M™ Steri-Vac™ Sterilizer/Aerator GS Series may compromise the sterility of the processed devices.
Before packaging, ensure that the medical devices are clean and dry per manufacturer’s instructions for use.
11.2.1. Packaging Endoscopes for EO Sterilization
Each facility should verify appropriate packaging materials and procedures with the endoscope manufacturer(s) to ensure the endoscopes are suitably packaged for sterilization (i.e., endoscope
positioning, bending radius). Including the factors noted above, there are many options available to optimize packaging and the load configuration for endoscopes (i.e. number of endoscopes
placed in the chamber).
If the packaging is not specified by the endoscope manufacturer, best practices for packaging of endoscopes for EO sterilization include metal baskets and disposable sterilization wraps due to
the smallest Volume to Vent (V-to-V) ratio. The V-to-V ratio is a measurement of the ability for the sterilant to flow into and out of the sterilization container or packaging. This ratio is defined as
the interior volume of the sterilization container divided by the total cross-sectional area of the perforated vent holes. Metal baskets and disposable sterilization wraps or some brands of plastic
trays wrapped in disposable sterilization wraps have a relatively small Volume to Vent (V-to-V) ratio.
11.2.2. Recommended Packaging
The following packaging is recommended for use with ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization:
• Polyethylene plastic bags (designed for use as a sterile package and are not more than 5 mils thick)
• Peel pouches:
• Spun-bonded olefin polyethylene-polyester laminate
• Paper/polyethylene-polyester laminate
• Paper/polypropylene-polyester laminate
• Wraps:
• Woven textile
• Nonwoven textile
• Nonwoven polypropylene
• Paper, coated and uncoated
• Rigid sterilization container systems
• Plastic trays with paper or spun-bonded olefin lids
11.2.3. Non-compatible Packaging
The following packaging is not compatible and is not recommended for use in ethylene oxide (EO) sterilization processes:
Do not use packages made entirely of any of the following materials:
• Foil
• Cellophane
• Polyvinylchloride (PVC)
• Impervious polypropylene film
• Polyester (polyester film made from stretched polyethylene terephthalate (PET) )
• Polyamide (nylon)
• Polyvinylidene chloride