Aquafilter
E9_Next_Ing_rev03 – 10/10/2018
65
E9 NEXT
APPENDIX 1
Preparing the instruments for sterilization
A correct sterilization depends on the processes described below being carried out correctly; these are all
equally important and, therefore, care must be taken while performing them.
1.
Preparing the instruments to sterilise
2.
Packing
3.
Loading
4.
Sterilization
5.
Preserving the sterilized instruments
6.
Routine maintenance of the unit
All the objects must be decontaminated and carefully cleaned and dried before being sterilised. In the case of
instruments with parts that are joined to each other, divide the parts or open them as wide apart as possible.
In the case of overalls or other reusable fabrics, these must be washed and dried after use and before
sterilization, to remove organic material and lengthen the “life” of the fabric, restoring it with its natural water
content (i.e. degree of humidity).
The objectives of the initial decontamination procedure are as follows:
a) inactivating bacterial proliferation
b) preventing mutual contamination while handling instruments
c) preventing any products on the instrument from drying
d) protecting personnel
Decontamination is carried out using detergents and, generally, solutions that are active against HIV, HBV
and HCV, or by washing at 93°C for ten minutes in thermo-disinfectors. Observe the indications given in the
technical data sheets of the products used.
The instruments are cleaned so as to eliminate blood, saliva, dentin and organic substances in general, that
may damage the materials to be sterilised, or even the steriliser itself. The use of ultrasound baths is
recommended, which offer numerous advantages with respect to traditional cleaning methods, such as
efficacy, speed and delicacy on the object being cleaned; always follow the recommendations provided by
the respective manufacturers. In general, after ultrasound cleaning with detergent and/or disinfectant, rinsing
the instrument is recommended, in that the disinfectant may take on corrosive characteristics as a result of
the heat.
Always wipe out any solutions carefully to avoid residues of moisture. Once dry, the instruments to be steam
sterilised in the unit must be appropriately packaged, whereas those to be cold sterilised must be immersed
in the appropriate chemical solution (glutaraldehyde, paracetic acid, etc.).
It is also important to check the instruments being used: avoid to sterilise instruments showing:
- breaks
- stains
- rust
- single-use devices that cannot be reused
