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Disposable paper or plastic pouches are ideal for autoclaving individual instruments. Use a pouch wide enough for instruments with ratchet locks, like needle holders and hemostats. The instrument needs to be sterilized in an open (unlocked) position. For sets, unlock all the instruments and sterilize them in an open position. Place heavy instruments on the bottom of the set when two layers are required. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Autoclaving
Cold SterilizationMost cold sterilization solutions require a 10-hour immersion to render instruments sterile, but this prolonged chemical action may be more detrimental to surgical instruments than the 20-minute autoclave cycle. If the instruments only need to be disinfected (clean and free of most microorganisms), cold sterilization is acceptable, since disinfection will take place in only 10 minutes. However, to render the instruments sterile (with absolutely no microorganisms surviving), autoclaving is recommended.
If you have questions about your surgical instruments, give us a call at (866) 606-1974 (toll-free in the USA) or email us at [email protected]. What type of material is commonly used to rap instruments when using an autoclave?Packs to be autoclaved should be wrapped in porous, temperature safe materials that will allow steam penetration. Appropriate materials include paper, cloth, and peel pouches1. Foil is only appropriate for dry heat sterilization and cannot be used when steam autoclaving.
Why are instruments wrapped for autoclaving?The purpose of wrapping or packaging instruments prior to sterilization is to maintain sterility after the autoclave process is complete.
Why are instruments wrapped or package before sterilization?What is the purpose of packaging instruments for sterilization? Packaging materials (e.g., wrapped or container systems) allow penetration of the sterilizing agent and maintain sterility of the processed item after sterilization.
What is used to sterilize surgical instruments?Ethylene oxide gas has been used since the 1950s for heat- and moisture-sensitive medical devices. Within the past 15 years, a number of new, low-temperature sterilization systems (e.g., hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, peracetic acid immersion, ozone) have been developed and are being used to sterilize medical devices.
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