Page 15 of 63 Pages
6. PREPARATION BEFORE STERILIZATION
The purpose of packaging and wrapping of items for sterilization is to provide
an effective barrier against sources of potential contamination in order to
maintain sterility and to permit aseptic removal of the contents of the pack.
Packaging and wrapping materials should permit the removal of air from the
pack, penetration of the sterilizing water vapor into the pack and removal of
the sterilizing vapor.
The basic principle determining the size, mass and contents of instrument and
hollowware packs is that the contents are sterile and dry immediately on
completion of the drying cycle and removal of the pack from the sterilizer
chamber.
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.
1. Immediately after use, clean instruments thoroughly to dispose of any
residue.
2. It is recommended to wash instruments with an ultrasonic cleaner, using
detergent and mineral-free water.
3. Launder textile wraps prior to reuse.
4. After cleaning, rinse instruments for 30 seconds. (Follow manufacturer’s
instructions on the use of products for cleaning and lubricating
instruments after using the ultrasonic cleaner).
5. Materials, including materials used for inner wraps, shall be compatible
with the item being packed and the sterilizing method selected.
6. Do not place materials to be sterilized directly on the chamber’s wall.
Place the material only on trays, rack, etc.
7. Before placing an instrument into the sterilizer tray, make sure that
instruments which are not of the same metal, (stainless steel, carbon
steel, etc.) are separated and placed on different trays.
Note: Check manufacturer’s instructions for the sterilization of each
item.
8. In case carbon steel instruments are placed on stainless steel trays, the
trays should be lined with a towel or paper wrap before placing the
instruments on the trays. There should be no direct contact between the
carbon steel and the stainless steel trays.
9. All instruments must be sterilized in an open position.
10. Use single-use wraps once only and discard after use.