12
SECTION 2
PREPARATIONS FOR STERILIZATION
3. Wrapped Trays
a. Place instruments, cleaned according to Section 2-I, in a
perforated tray. Allow adequate space between instru-
ments for steam circulation.
b. Place a process or spore test indicator in at least one tray
to be cycled.
c. Wrap the tray in two to four layers of towels or other
wrapping material. (Refer to Table 2-2.) Close using
autoclave tape.
d. Place wrapped trays on the rack in the sterilizer. Ensure
that the wrapping does not touch the sides of the cham-
ber. Allow adequate space between trays for steam
circulation.
NOTE: Place the tray containing the sterilization monitor in the bottom of the sterilizer.
CAUTION: Do not overload or inadequate sterilization may result.
e. Refer to Section 3 for operating instructions.
D. Packs
Packs are for sterilizing surgical instruments, gloves and textiles.
1. Instruments and textiles
a. Clean instruments according to Section 2-I. Textiles should be laundered prior to sterilization.
NOTE: Do not use high chlorine or phosphate content detergents chlorine bleach in laundering
items prior to sterilization. Staining of the autoclave and instruments or more severe damage
may result. The use of chlorides may also result in cracks in the chamber.
b. Loosely package instruments with not more than 10 per pack. Instruments of the same type
which are nested should be separated by a layer of absorbent towels and placed so that water
will run out. Loosely roll or fold textiles.
CAUTION: Density should not exceed 1/2 the capacity of the pack and the packs should not
exceed 1/2 the capacity of the tray. Otherwise inadequate sterilization could result.
Or
Wrap properly cleaned articles in two to four layers of muslin towels or other packaging material.
(Refer to Table 2-2.)
c. Place a process or spore test indicator inside a representative pack.
d. Seal with autoclave tape or heat sealer (3M, St. Paul, MN; Propper, Long Island City, NY).
CAUTION: Do not use staples, pins or other devices that could puncture packaging mate-
rial. Otherwise sterility could be compromised.
e. Place packs on perforated trays. Leave adequate space between packs to allow steam to circu-
late. Load packs upright, side-by-side on the tray. Do not stack.
CAUTION: Adequate drying will not occur unless space is left between packs. Metal and
glass containers should not be used to separate packs as these will inhibit drying. Packs
should not exceed 1/2 the capacity of the tray. Otherwise, sterilization could be compro-
mised.
f. Load trays onto the racks in the sterilizer. Ensure that packs do not touch the sides of the
chamber. Allow adequate space between trays for steam circulation. If packs are large, some
trays may be omitted to allow more clearance.
CAUTION: Do not overload or inadequate sterilization may result.
g. Place pack containing sterilization monitor in the bottom front of the sterilizer.
h. Refer to Section 3 for operating instructions.
Summary of Contents for Magna-Clave
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