Definitions

 

Notes

 

BEST: Remove gross contamination, using soap and water, then sterilize by steam or dry heat using one of these techniques:

  1. Remove the cover by loosening the wing nuts in a counterclockwise motion. Always undo two opposite wing nuts at a time.
  2. Lubricate the metal-to-metal seal where side wall and bevel meet on the inside of the sterilizer. Use petroleum jelly or mineral oil.
  3. Remove the aluminum inner container. Pour clean (preferably distilled) water into sterilizer to a depth of not less than three-fourths of an inch, but no more than 1 inch.
  4. Place inner container rack into inner container with the lip or edge side downward. Place articles to be sterilized on container rack. Only steam should make contact with articles. Replace packed inner container into sterilizer, ensuring the air exhaust tube channel is in position on the right side of the container when it is placed into the unit.
  5. Place sterilizer cover on unit, making sure that the index alignment arrow on the cover aligns with index line/arrow on the side of the bottom. Ensure that the flexible tube is inserted into the guide channel on the inside wall of the aluminum container. Tighten the wing nuts evenly, always tightening down two opposite nuts simultaneously to assure a proper seal.
  6. Place unit onto a heat source. Open the control valve by placing valve lever in an upright position. It is important that steam be permitted to escape vigorously for at least 7 minutes or until the flow of steam is continuous. Afterwards, close the control valve. When pressure gauge reaches 17–19 psi, reduce heat as necessary to maintain a constant pressure of 17–19 psi within the unit.
  7. The sterilization period begins when the pressure steam gauge needle registers in the green sterilization band shown on the face of the gauge (i.e., 17–21 psi). This should be no less than 35 minutes. Note: At altitudes higher than sea level, settings need to be adequately adjusted to compensate for the effect of altitude on water’s boiling point. The manufacturer suggests increasing pressure by 0.5 psi for every 1,000 feet of elevation above sea level.
  8. At the end of the sterilization period, remove unit from heat source and move the lever on the control valve to an upright position to allow the steam to escape. With caution, loosen wing nuts and remove the cover to retrieve sterilized items.

Dry Heat

 

BETTER: Remove gross contamination using soap and water, then sterilize with improvised autoclave or chemical disinfection.

MINIMUM: Remove gross contamination, using soap and water, then boil instruments in at least 100°C (212°F) water for at least 1 minute.

NOTE: This method does not sterilize instruments and should be used as a last resort for surgical instruments.