Chapter 4
– Sterilization
21
Load the steam sterilizer
Only if the steam sterilizer is properly loaded can the
sterilization be effective and the drying deliver good results.
NOTICE
Use perforated trays, such as the trays from MELAG. Only this
way can →condensate run off. If you use closed materials or
shell halves to bear the items to be sterilized, you risk bad
drying results. Please note that the use of tray insertions made
of paper can perhaps likewise lead to worse drying results.
Wrapping
The correct use of suitable wrapping is important for the
success of the sterilization.
Warning!
Employ only packaging materials and -systems
(sterile barrier systems), which satisfy the
DIN EN IS0 11607-1 Standard.
You can employ reusable rigid packaging such as
standard tray cassettes or soft packaging such as clear-
plastic sterilization packages, paper bags, sterilization
paper, textiles, fleece.
Closed sterilization -containers
Preferably use sterilization containers made of aluminium.
Aluminium conducts heat well and thus accelerates drying.
When using closed sterilization containers, observe the
following instructions for holding the
→
sterilizing
materials:
Warning!
■
Closed sterilization containers must be equipped at least
on one side
– possibly below – with perforations or valves.
Non-observance leads to insufficient steam penetration
which could make the sterilization ineffective.
Furthermore the condensate drainage is prevented, and
bad drying results are the consequence. This can
ultimately lead to unsterile instruments and thereby to
endangering the health of the patient and the practice
team.
The sterilization containers from MELAG satisfy all
requirements according to
→DIN EN 868 for successful
sterilization and drying. They are perforated in the lid and floor
and are equipped with disposable paper filters.
Stack sterilization containers
Stack on top of each other, if possible, only sterilization
containers of the same size and with respectively identical
spacer feet, where the
→condensate can run off on the side at
the walls.
Danger!
■
When stacking the sterilization containers, take care that
the perforations are not covered.
In case of non-observance, the condensate cannot drip off
to the chamber bottom. It would soak sterilizing materials
lying underneath. The consequence would be bad drying
results. This can ultimately lead to unsterile instruments
and thereby to endangering the health of the patient and
the practice team.
