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4.3
Loading the autoclave
_______________________________________________
It is of crucial importance for effective sterilization and good drying that the autoclave is loaded properly:
When loading the autoclave, take account of the following points:
Tray rack
For the Euroklav
®
23V-S there are 2 types of tray rack:
Type "B" (MELAG-Art.-No.: 40224) for up to 4 trays or 4 standard tray-cassettes
Type "C" (MELAG-Art.-No.: 40242) for up to 6 trays or 3 standard tray-cassettes
Both types of tray rack are also suitable for the MELAG-sterilization containers Type 15K,M,G; Type
17K,M,G,R; Type 23R,M,G, Type 28M,G).
Normally, the autoclave should be used in conjunction with a tray rack, since this ensures that steam
penetration and drying are as good as possible. In exceptional situations (e.g. when using sterilization
containers from other manufacturers), and after consultation with your specialist dealer or with MELAG, the
tray rack can be removed and the container can be placed directly in the autoclave chamber.
For the sterilization of instruments sealed in transparent sterilization wrapping, it is recommended that you
use the foil stand MELAG-Art.-No.: 22420. This contributes considerably to the drying process for such
wrapped instruments.
Trays
Trays for objects which are to be sterilized must be perforated, in order to allow condensation to run away.
MELAG-trays are recommended. If you use dishes or trays without perforations, then the objects being
sterilized will not dry properly.
Enclosed sterilization containers
Enclosed sterilization containers must be perforated on at least one side (preferably underneath) or must
have valves, in order to ensure that steam can penetrate and condensate can run out. All MELAG-
sterilization containers meet these requirements with perforations on two sides and filter-cloth- inlays.
Sterilization containers which only have perforations on the top only allow limited drying.
If sterilization containers are stacked in the autoclave, it is important to ensure that the perforations are not
blocked.
Transparent sterilization packaging
If you use transparent sterilization packaging, such as MELA
fol
®
, then the items should if possible be stood
vertically on the tray, or sterilized in foil holders (MELAG-Art.-No.: 22420). They should never be laid flat one
on top of the other.
If seals split open during sterilization it may be necessary to increase the length of the impulse on the sealing
device or to use a double-seal.
Standard tray- cassettes sealed in MELA
fol
®
(250 mm wide) must be taped and clasped additionally to
ensure that the side-seals do not split open.
Multiple wrapping
The pulsed vacuum method means it is possible to use multiple wrapping.
Maximum loads
Loads should not exceed 4 kg of instruments or 1 kg of textiles.
Mixed loads
If mixed loads of textiles and instruments are to be sterilized, then as far as possible the textiles should be
above the instruments and direct contact with the instruments should be avoided.
Inclusion of textiles and instruments in the same sterilization container is not desirable.
Textiles should never come into direct contact with the walls of the chamber.
If different types of packaging are included in a load, then:
•
Instruments and sterilization containers should be at the bottom
•
Transparent and paper sterilization packaging should be at the top (but lower than textiles)
Liquids
The appliance is not suitable for the sterilization of liquids!
Suitability for sterilization
Relevant information provided by manufacturers of instruments and textiles about sterilization should be
strictly observed.
