54
3M
™
Steri‑Vac
™
Sterilizer / Aerator GSX Series
– Operator’s Manual
1222 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
1223 Package Medical Devices
1�
Place the device in ethylene oxide (EO) compatible packaging
2�
If applicable per your facility’s procedures, place one or more EO chemical indicators (CI) inside each container, wrapped tray, or sterilization pouch (Chapter 14: Process Monitoring, Load
Release, and Sterilizer Qualification)
3�
When sterilizing pouched items, seal the sterilization pouch using a heat sealer set to the appropriate time and temperature
4�
Wrap non‑containerized trays with EO compatible wrapping material and secure with EO indicator tape
5�
For containerized items, ensure an external chemical indicator for EO is present
NOTE:
When loading devices inside a container or tray, leave sufficient space between the instruments to enable the sterilant to circulate The containers used must be prepared and sealed
according to the procedures recommended by their respective manufacturers
12.3. Loading the 3M™ Steri‑Vac™ Sterilizer/Aerator GSX Series
Loading baskets are recommended to facilitate loading the sterilization chamber Loading baskets are designed with skids to avoid scratching the chamber floor A transport cart can be used to
easily load, unload, and move loading baskets to and from the 3M™ Steri‑Vac™ Sterilizer/Aerator GSX Series
DANGER: To reduce the risks associated with exposure to ethylene oxide,
do not overload the sterilization chamber Use good practices for loading the 3M™ Steri‑Vac™ Sterilizer/Aerator GSX Series chamber
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of injury,
follow good ergonomic practices Loading baskets should not be overfilled requiring excessive force in pulling and pushing loaded baskets in and out of the 3M™ Steri‑Vac™ Sterilizer/
Aerator GSX Series chamber Reference facility policies and procedures for appropriate ergonomic practices
CAUTION: To reduce patient risks associated with exposure to potentially non‑sterile devices or inadequate sterilization procedures:
Always use chemical indicators and biological indicators for monitoring the performance of sterilization cycles as described in this manual Always use chemical indicators and biological
indicators per the device manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU)
Do not overload the sterilization chamber Use good practices for loading the 3M™ Steri‑Vac™ Sterilizer/Aerator GSX Series chamber