3-3
Techniques of Sterilization
Operating Instructions
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Figure 3-1. Vented Closures
Morton Closure
Tab
Tab
After Sterilization
Before Sterilization
Morton Closure
IMPORTANT:
Please read the following paragraphs before sterilizing any
liquids in your sterilizer. It is inappropriate for a healthcare facility to sterilize
liquids for direct patient contact.
Borosilicate glass is required because it is a superior glass capable of
resisting thermal shock. If glass not as thermally resistant is used, a greater
potential for bursting exists.
Vented closures are required because, by design, they release internal
pressure build-up by automatically venting the containers, whereas pressure
in unvented containers remains until the contents have cooled. Examples of
vented closures are shown in Figure 3-1.
Sterilizing liquids in any other type of container or with the use of non-vented
closures requires a sterilizer specifically designed for that purpose.
When loading, place small bottles in a separate basket to minimize sliding.
Always use side rails on the loading car to prevent containers or baskets from
falling off.
For extremely large liquid loads, a Dart
®
(Daily Air Removal Test) warm-up
cycle may be required.
WARNING: It is inappropriate
for a health care facility to ster-
ilize liquids for direct patient
contact.
WARNING – BURN HAZARD:
When sterilizing liquids, you
must observe the following
procedures:
•••••
Use Liquid cycle only.
•••••
Use only vented closures.
•••••
Use only Type I borosili-
cate glass bottles.
•••••
Do not allow hot bottles to
be jolted.
CAUTION: Sterilization of chlo-
ride-containing solutions (e.g.,
saline) can cause chamber cor-
rosion and is not recom-
mended by the manufacturer.
If, however, chloride-contain-
ing solutions must be pro-
cessed, clean the chamber af-
ter each use.
W A R N I N G – E X P L O S I O N
HAZARD: This sterilizer is not
designed to process flam-
mable compounds.
3.3 Recommendations
for Sterilizing Liquids
