Chapter 4
– Sterilization
29
Condensate residues on
the sterilized items
If you remove the →sterilized items from the steam sterilizer
directly after the end of the program, it can happen that slight
quantities of condensate moisture are found on the sterilized
items.
Smaller quantities of water which may be are found on the
upper side of the paper bags and clear plastic sterilization
packages are unobjectionable if they dry out within 30 minutes
after removal from the steam sterilizer.
Storage of sterilized items
Exclusively employ packaging which complies to standards for
the sterilized materials. Do not store sterilized items in the
preparation room. For the storage of the sterilized items,
observe the criteria mentioned below.
Storage conditions
■
Sealed against dust e.g. in a closed instrument cabinet
■
Protected from damage on smooth surfaces
■
Protected from excessive fluctuations in temperature
■
Protected from moisture (e.g. alcohol, disinfectant)
Storage duration in accordance with the type of package
wrapping
Storage time
The maximum storage life depends on the packaging and the
storage conditions. For →sterilized items which have been
wrapped in compliance with the standards (dust-protected
storage is assumed)
– this time period is up to six months.
