Page 58 of 101 pages
6.
PREPARATION BEFORE STERILIZATION
Instruments to be sterilized must be clean washed and disinfected,
free of any residual matter, such as debris, blood, pads or any other
material. Such substances may cause damage to the contents being
sterilized and to the sterilizer.
1.
Wash instruments immediately after use, to dispose of any residue.
2. Follow
manufacturer's instructions on the use of instruments/washing
etc. for cleaning and lubricating. Before placing an instrument into the
sterilizer tray, make sure that instruments composed of different
(stainless steel, carbon steel, etc.) are separated and placed in
different trays.
Note: Check manufacturer's instructions for sterilization of each item.
3.
If of carbon steel instruments are used with stainless steel trays, the
tray should be lined with a towel or paper wrap before placing the
instrument. There should be no direct contact between the carbon
steel and the stainless steel trays.
4.
All instruments must be sterilized in an open position.
5.
Place a sterilization indicator strip in each tray.
6.
Once a week use a biological spore test indicator in any load to
ensure sterilization.
7.
Make sure that all the instruments remain apart during the sterilization
cycle.
8.
Empty canisters should be placed upside-down in order to prevent
accumulation of water.
9. Do not overload sterilizer trays. Overloading will cause inadequate
sterilization and drying.
10.
Allow a distance of approximately 1" between trays to permit
circulation of steam.
11. Wrapped
instruments
should be packed in material which promotes
drying, such as autoclave bag, autoclave paper and muslin towels.
NOTE:
Verify that the packaging method is in accordance with good practice
approach and the packaging materials are in accordance with the
applicable standards (e.g. EN868 series).
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