Page 79
8.
PREPARATION BEFORE STERILIZATION
The purpose of packaging and wrapping of items for sterilization is to
provide an effective barrier against contamination once the items have
been sterilized and removed from the sterilizer.
Packaging and wrapping materials should permit the removal of
air from the pack during heating, penetration of the steam vapor into
the pack during sterilization and removal of the steam vapor during
drying.
The basic principle determining the size, mass and contents of
instrument pouches, cassettes and hollowware packs is that the
contents are sterile and dry immediately on completion of the drying
cycle and removal from the sterilizer.
Instruments to be sterilized must be free from any residual matter, such
as debris, blood, or organic tissue. Instruments must also be dry
and free from mineral deposits. Such substances may cause damage
to the instruments themselves or the sterilizer.
Correct loading of the autoclave is essential for successful sterilization.
Efficient air removal from the chamber and load will permit total steam
penetration and saturation. Additionally, correct loading will promote
efficient drying and reduce damage to packs and their contents and
maximize the effectiveness of the sterilizer.
Notes:
To protect sensors at the back bottom of the chamber, the rack of
the Elara11 is designed with stops for the bottom tray.
It is normal for the bottom tray to be closer to the door than the other
trays.
Pushing the bottom tray all the way back will cause it to interfere with
the chamber sensors.
1.
Check the instructions of the item manufacturer as to the proper
procedure for cleaning and sterilizing each item. The item
manufacturer’s instructions always supersede any other instructions.
2.
Clean instruments immediately after use to remove any residue. It is
recommended that all instruments be ultrasonically cleaned using
Tuttnauer
TM
Clean & Simple
enzymatic cleaning tablets or other
suitable solution.
3.
After cleaning, rinse instruments under tap water for 30 seconds and
pat dry to remove residual minerals. If your tap water has a high
mineral content, then rinse a second time in a bath of distilled water to
remove minerals and pat dry.
4.
Launder textile wraps prior to sterilization, thoroughly rinse wraps
laundered in chlorine bleach. Chlorine bleach can harm your stainless-
steel instruments and the sterilizer.
5.
Follow the instrument manufacturer’s instructions on the use of
products for cleaning and lubricating instrument that have been
ultrasonically cleaned.
6.
Be sure that instruments of dissimilar metal (stainless steel, carbon
steel, etc.) are separated. Carbon steel instruments should be bagged
