Chapter 4 – Sterilization
33
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.
According to →DIN 58953, Part 7: Smaller quantities of water which are
found on the upper side of paper bags and clear plastic sterilization
packages are unobjectionable if they dry out within 30 minutes after
removal from the steam sterilizer.
PLEASE NOTE
Residual moisture dries especially quickly in the warm sterilization
chamber. Thus, let wrapped instruments dry in the opened steam sterilizer
for approx. 1 to 3 minutes.
Storage of sterilized items
Exclusively employ packaging which complies with 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 wrapping 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.
