MAN205-0097044ENO Rev. A
Apr. 2014
Page 13 of 28 pages
4. PREPARATION
BEFORE
STERILIZATION
Warning!
During loading and unloading use safety gloves and glasses in accordance with
local safety regulations and good practice.
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, and prevent sterilization.
1.
Wash instruments immediately after use, to dispose of any residue.
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 material-types (stainless steel, carbon steel, etc.) are
separated and placed in different trays.
Note:
Check manufacturer instructions for sterilization of each item.
In General
1.
If 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.
2.
Before placing an instrument into the sterilization tray, make sure that carbon
steel instruments are not in contact with stainless steel instruments. These
instruments should be separated and placed in different trays.
3.
All instruments must be sterilized in an open position.
4.
Place a sterilization indicator strip in each tray.
5.
Once a week use a biological spore test indicator in any load to ensure
sterilization.
6.
Make sure that all the instruments remain apart during the sterilization cycle.
7.
Empty canisters should be placed upside-down in order to prevent accumulation
of water.
8.
Do not overload sterilizer trays. Overloading will cause inadequate sterilization
and drying.
9.
Allow a distance of approximately 25mm (1") between trays to permit circulation
of steam.
10. Wrapped
instruments
should
be packed in material which promotes drying, such
as: Autoclave bags, autoclave paper and muslin towels.
