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9.
PREPARATION BEFORE STERILIZATION
The purpose of packaging and wrapping of items for sterilization is to provide
an effective barrier against sources of potential recontamination. This is in
order to maintain sterility and to permit aseptic removal the pack contents at
the time of the procedure. Packaging and wrapping materials should permit the
removal of air from the pack, penetration of the sterilizing water vapor into the
pack and removal of the sterilizing vapor.
Instruments to be sterilized must be clean, free from 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.
Correct loading of the autoclave is essential for successful sterilization for
several reasons. Efficient air removal from the chamber and the load will
permit total steam penetration and saturation. Additionally, correct loading
will reduce damage to packs and their contents and maximize efficient use of
the sterilizer.
1.
Clean instruments immediately after use to remove any residue. It is
recommended that all instruments be ultrasonically cleaned using
Tuttnauer's
CLEAN AND SIMPLE
enzymatic cleaning tablets or other
suitable solution.
2.
After cleaning, rinse instruments under tap water for 30 seconds and pat
or air dry to remove residual minerals. If your tap water has a high
mineral content, rinse a second time in a bath of distilled water to remove
minerals.
3.
Launder textile wraps prior to reuse, but do not use bleach.
4.
Follow the instrument manufacturer’s instructions on the use of products
for cleaning and lubricating instruments that have been ultrasonically
cleaned.
5.
Be sure that instruments of dissimilar metals (stainless steel, carbon steel,
etc.) are separated. Carbon steel instruments should be bagged or placed
on autoclavable towels and not directly on stainless steel trays (mixing
will result in the oxidation of these metals).
6.
Do not place materials to be sterilized against the chamber’s wall. Place
the material only on the tray or rack.
7.
When using a paper / plastic bag, the plastic side should always be down.
8.
Items must be sterilized in an open position. Surfaces that are hidden
because the item is in a closed position will not be exposed to the steam
and will not be sterilized.
9.
Check the instructions of the item manufacturer as to the proper
procedure for sterilizing each item.
10.
Place a sterilization indicator in each tray or inside each wrapped pack.
