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The followings can be used for packaging: metal containers with lids or perforated bottoms with
filters in paper, pouches in paper or polypropylene, medical grade paper.
For packaging, observe the following recommendations (for pouches in paper-polypropylene):
Contents must not exceed ¾ of the volume of the pouch.
The instruments must be positioned so that they can be extracted by their handle.
The sealing strip on the pouch must be continuous with a height of at least 6 mm.
Use materials that comply with EN 868-1 for packaging the materials to sterilize.
Each packaged prepared must indicate the date of sterilization, the type of cycle performed and
the date in which the preservation of sterility expires. This latter value must be established
considering the length of preservation of sterility as indicated by the manufacturer of the
packaging material, the internal procedure used and stocking conditions of the sterilized
material itself.
Instruments packaged in individual pouches have a life (in terms of sterility) of 30 days, those in
double pouches of 60, if kept in closed cabinets. These values are, in any case, to be considered
indicative, in that the date of preservation is influenced by various factors, as the environmental
microbic level, the granulometry of environmental dusts (that act as carriers of micro-organism),
as well as the temperature, pressure and ambient humidity parameters.
5.8.6.
LOADING
It is suggested to run a cycle at the beginning of daily work without load.
The way in which the load to sterilize is arranged is also considerably important to sterilization
process. Always observe the explanations indicated in this manual.
The materials to be sterilized shall be disinfected prior to sterilization process.
Do not stack instruments on tray or in basket. Overloading could compromise
sterilization.
It is necessary to leave space between materials to be sterilized to allow the circulation of
steam during the sterilization phase and then to facilitate drying.
Use the load supports, to facilitate the circulation of steam.
Place a chemical sterilization indicator on each basket or tray.
Position the instruments sufficiently distant from chamber walls and from one another that
they remain separate for the whole sterilization cycle.
It is preferable that the sterilization container be made of aluminum, as this metal stores
and conducts heat well, ensuring faster drying than other materials.
