Chapter 4
– Sterilization
20
Textiles
Observe the following instructions for treating textiles
and putting the textiles into sterilization containers:
Danger!
■
Comply with the instructions of the textile manufacturer
for treatment and sterilization and observe relevant
standards and directives.
■
Adjust the folds of the textiles parallel to each other.
■
Stack the textiles in the sterilization containers vertically
if possible, and not too closely together, so that flow
channels can form.
■
Retain the vertical stacking method when you pack the
textiles in sterilization containers.
■
If textile packages do not stay together, wrap the textiles
in sterilization paper.
■
Sterilize only dry textiles.
■
The textiles may have no direct contact to ground and
walls of the sterilization chamber, otherwise they absorb
→condensate.
In case of non-observance, the steam penetration of the
textiles can be obstructed and/or bad drying results can
result. Unsterile textiles could be the consequence. This
could mean endangering the health of the patient and
the practice team.
Instruments
Observe the following instructions for treating used and
brand new instruments:
Danger of infection!
■
Follow without fail the instructions of the instruments
manufacturer for treatment and sterilization, and observe
the relevant standards and directives of your country.
■
Clean the instruments very thoroughly, for instance with
the help of a thermal disinfector.
■
After disinfection and cleaning, rinse the instruments if
possible with →demineralized or →distilled water and
subsequently thoroughly dry the instruments with a clean,
non-fuzzing cloth.
■
Employ only cleaning materials which are suitable for
steam sterilization. Ask the manufacturer about the
cleaning materials.
In case of non-observance, residual dirt can possibly be
loosened up during sterilization in the steam pressure.
Rests of the disinfection and cleaning agents lead to
corrosion. Increased maintenance requirements and
impairment of the function of the steam sterilizers can be
the consequence.
Unsuitable cleaning materials, e.g. water-rejecting
cleaning materials or steam-impermeable oils, can result
in unsterile instruments. This endangers your health and
the health of your patients.
When using the following devices, observe without fail the
preparation instructions of the instrument manufacturer:
Ultrasonic units
Maintenance appliances for hand pieces and angle pieces
Cleaning and disinfection devices
(e.g. thermal disinfector)
