Chapter 4 – Sterilization
26
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 (i
n Germany, e.g. →BGV A1, →RKI
und →DGSV).
■ Clean the instruments very thoroughly, for instance with the help of a
washer -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. Disinfection and
cleaning agent residue 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
Washer-disinfectors
Loading the steam sterilizer
Only if the steam sterilizer is properly loaded can the sterilization be
effective and the drying deliver good results.
Danger of burning!
For loading the steam sterilizer:
■ Use the basket lifter to remove the universal basket.
■ Never touch the chamber or the door with unprotected hands. The
elements may be hot.
Failure to observe this requirement can result in burns.
Unwrapped instruments
Always use the universal basket for unwrapped instruments. It is possible
to sterilize approx. 12 handpieces, turbines or other instruments up to a
length of maximum 20 cm in this basket.
Unless specified differently by the manufacturer, hand pieces should
always be inserted into the steam sterilizer with the shaft, hence the drive
side, pointing upwards.
For the sterilization of very small objects to be sterilized, e.g. in the
endodontic area (e.g. Hedström files, Reamer, K files), use the
semicircular small part insert, which can be hooked into the universal
basket at a greater or lower height.
Wrapping
The correct use of suitable wrapping is important for the success of the
sterilization.
Attention
Employ only packaging materials and -systems (sterile barrier
systems), which satisfy the DIN EN IS0 11607-1 Standard.
You can employ soft wrapping such as clear-plastic sterilization packages,
paper bags, sterilization paper or fleece.
