HIGH TEMPERATURE
STERILIZATION
Chapter 15
Objectives:
• As a result of successfully completing this chapter, students will
be able to:
• Discuss factors that impact the effectiveness of sterilization and the
methods of heat transfer associated with high temperature
sterilization.
• Discuss the advantages of steam sterilization.
• Explain the anatomy of a steam sterilizer and identify the function of
each major component.
• Sizes of steam sterilizers
• Jacket
• Door, Gasket, and Chamber Drain
• Thermostatic Trap
• Gauges and Controls
Objectives:• Provide basic information about the types of steam sterilizers
• Tabletop
• Gravity Air Displacement
• Dynamic Air Removal
• Steam Flush and Pressure Pulse
• Special Purpose Sterilizer (Flash)
• Special Purpose Sterilizer (Instrument Washer Sterilizer)
• Provide basic information about the phases in a steam sterilizer
cycle:
• Conditioning
• Exposure
• Exhaust
• Drying
Objectives:• Describe the conditions necessary for an effective steam sterilization
process:
• Contact
• Time
• Temperature
• Moisture
• Explain basic work practices for steam sterilization:
• Preparing devices and packs for steam sterilization
• Loading a sterilizer
• Unloading a sterilizer
• Controlling wet packs
• Cleaning and maintaining sterilizers
Objectives:
• Explain the basics of dry heat sterilization:
• When dry heat is appropriate.
• Advantages and disadvantages of dry heat sterilization.
• Types of hot-air convection sterilizers.
• Dry heat sterilization procedures.
• Explain the need for quality control and review sterilization process indicators that
help assure quality control:
• Need for quality control
• Chemical indicators.
• Sterilization load control information.
• Physical and mechanical monitors.
• Biological indicators.
• Bowie-Dick tests
• Validation and Verification processes
• Review the basics of three special high temperature sterilization concerns:
• D-values and sterilization effectiveness
• Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD)
• Solutions
Common Methods of Heat
Transfer
• Conduction – Heat
transfer from one part of
an item to another
• Convection – Heat
transfer from one point to
another as gas or liquid
circulates
Factors and Conditions that
Impact Sterilization
• Type of microorganisms present
• Number of microorganisms present. (Bioburden)
• Amount and type of soil present
• Amount of protection the medical device provides
BIOBURDEN
The number of microorganisms on a contaminated
object; also called bioload or microbial load
Steam Sterilization
Advantages of Steam
Sterilization
• Low Cost
• Fast Cycles
• Relatively Simple
Technology
• Leaves No Chemical
Residues or By-
products Behind
Steam Sterilizers
come in Many Sizes
ANATOMY
of a Steam Sterilizer
Door Gasket
Chamber Drain
THERMOSTATIC TRAPTHERMOSTATIC TRAP
Gauges, Controls, and Monitors
Provide a Visual and Written Record of Sterilizer Cycles
TYPES OF STEAM
STERILIZERS
TABLE TOP STERILIZERS
Frequently used in Clinics and
Dental Offices
Water Port on a Tabletop Sterilizer
GRAVITY AIR DISPLACEMENT
STERILIZERS
Steam sterilizer that uses gravity to remove air
from the chamber. As steam enters the gravity
sterilizer chamber, cooler air is forced out
through the chamber drain
DYNAMIC AIR REMOVAL
STERILIZERS
Steam sterilizers that use a vacuum pump or
ejector system to mechanically remove air
from the chamber
GRAVITY AND DYNAMIC
AIR REMOVAL
STERILIZERS
Differ in their methods of air
removal
STEAM FLUSH- PRESSURE
PULSE STERILIZERS
Steam sterilizers that use a repeated
sequence of steam flushes and pressure
pulses to remove air from the chamber
SPECIAL PURPOSE PRESSURE
STERILIZERS
(FLASH STERILIZERS)
Steam sterilizers that are surgical instrument
located at point-of-use. They are intended to
be used in emergencies when there is no
time for terminal sterilization.
SPECIAL PURPOSE PRESSURE
STERILIZERS
(INSTRUMENT WASHER STERILIZERS)
Combination units that wash and sterilize
instruments to make them safe for handling
by processing personnel
Terminology
• Terminal Sterilization – The process of
sterilizing an item that is packaged
• Flash Sterilization – The process of sterilizing
an item that is not packaged
Steam Sterilizer Cycle
Phases
• Conditioning
• Exposure
• Exhaust
• Drying
Steam Enters the Chamber
Steam Passes through the
Thermostatic Trap
Closed Thermostatic Trap
Steam is Exhausted
from the Chamber
DRYING
Begins at the completion of the exhaust
phase if packaged items are in the load
Flash (unwrapped) loads have minimal drying
times and in some cases, no dry time at all
Conditions Necessary for
Effective Steam Sterilization
• Contact
• Time
• Temperature
• Moisture
Frequent Causes of
Steam Contact Failures
• Failure to adequately clean the object being sterilized
• Packages wrapped too tightly
• Loads that are too crowded
• Containers that are positioned incorrectly
• Clogged drain strainer
• Mechanical malfunctions
Temperature Requirements
• Steam sterilization must take place at specific
temperatures in order to destroy heat resistant bacteria
• The two most common temperatures used are:
• 2500
F (1210
C)
• 2700
F-2750
F (132.20
C-1340
C)
TIME
In order for steam sterilization to be effective,
all items within the load need to be exposed
to a specific temperature for an adequate
amount of time
MOISTURE
Adequate moisture is required for steam
sterilization to be effective
SATURATED STEAM
Steam that contains the maximum amount of
water vapor. The moisture content of
saturated steam should possess a Relative
Humidity of 97% to 100%
Preparing Devices and Packs
for Steam Sterilization
Preparing Items for Steam Sterilization
• Use instrument trays that are large enough to evenly
distribute that metal mass
• Use only non-linting materials when assembling sets and
trays
• Remove stoppers and tubes from drainage bottles and
tubing from hemostats and clamps
• Position items to allow for sterilant contact
• Disassemble all multi-part instruments
• Do not hold instruments together with rubber bands
• Open all jointed instruments
• Items with concave or broad, flat surfaces should be
placed on edge
• Heavy instruments should be arranged to they will not
damage more delicate items
• Complex instruments should be prepared and sterilized
following manufacturers’ instructions
• Central Service Technicians must test and evaluate
protective organizing cases sterilization and drying
• Instruments must be inspected to ensure that they are
clean
• Instruments should be dry, with the exception of lumens
which should be moistened
Preparing Items for Steam
Sterilization
Catheters, Tubing, Rubber,
and Other Goods
• Due to it’s rough molecular structure, rubber is
difficult to clean
• Rubber can break down when exposed to heat,
light, acids, solvents, petroleum products, ether
and hot metal
• Most rubber items are single-use items
• When processing reusable rubber items, follow
manufacturer’s guidelines carefully for cleaning
and sterilization
WOOD AND CORK
Cannot be sterilized by any hospital
sterilization method
OILS AND POWDERS
Cannot be sterilized by steam
NO ITEM SHOULD BE
STERILIZED…
Without written instructions
from the manufacturer
Paper/Plastic
Pouches
• Should be used for
small, lightweight
items
Small Perforated Boxes
• Should be used to
contain small items
within instrument sets
• Paper/Plastic pouches
should not be used in
trays
Textile Packs
• Should be made of materials that allow adequate air
removal and steam penetration
• The manufacturer should be consulted for
recommendations on package size and density
Basins and Basin
Sets• Graduated, nested basins should differ in
diameter by at least 1 inch
• Basin sets should be prepared so all basins are in
the same direction to facilitate drainage and air
removal
• Non-linting absorbent material should be used to
separate the basins
• Basin sets should not exceed 7 pounds in weight
Glass Syringes
Lumens
• Moisten with distilled or
demineralized water
• Do not moisten more than
2 hours prior to
sterilization
Loading the Steam
Sterilizer
• Allow for proper steam
circulation
Allow Adequate Space to Facilitate
Air Removal and Drying
Position solid bottomed items so
that water and air are not trapped
inside
When using Paper/Plastic Pouches
• Remember that only
the paper side allows
air removal, steam
penetration, and
drainage
Stand Paper/Plastic Laminate on Edge
(Use a holder if necessary)
Do Not Lay Paper/Plastic Laminate
Pouches Flat
Lay items with
perforated bottoms flat
Where Water Cannot Flow,
Steam Cannot Go
Position Textile Packs so Layers within
them are Perpendicular to the Shelf
Unloading the Steam Sterilizer
• Open the sterilizer door according to protocol
• The load should be free from any visible liquid
• Wet items should be considered contaminated
• Do not touch items that have just been removed
from the sterilizer
• Do not handle packages until they are cool
Controlling Wet
Packs
• Packages are considered
wet when moisture in the
form of dampness or
puddles of water are found
on or within a pack
• Wet packs are considered
contaminated
Causes of Wet Packs
• Wet packs may be the
result of improper
placement or positioning
of packs or their contents
• Pack density can also
increase the incidence of
wet packs.
Assembling and Wrapping
Instrument Sets
• Use only instrument trays with mesh or perforated
bottoms to reduce the risk of wet packs
• Use lint-free tray liners to help absorb moisture
and facilitate drying
• Evenly distribute set weight
CLEANING AND
MAINTAINING
Steam Sterilizers
Routine Sterilizer Maintenance
Clogged Drain Strainers
Can Impede Air Removal
Wipe the Door Gasket.
Inspect for Signs of Wear and Defects
Sterilizer Cleaning and Maintenance
• Routinely clean sterilizer carts, carriages, and baskets
• Inspect recording devices, paper charts and printer paper
Sterilizer Cleaning and
Maintenance
• Clean the sterilizer chamber according to manufacturer’s
recommendations to prevent residue build up
• Check the Chamber Drain Strainer at least daily
• Clean and Check the Door Gasket Daily
• Clean the inside of the chamber with a non-abrasive
cleaner
• Follow Manufacturer’s Specific Instructions
Dry Heat Sterilization
Dry Heat
Advantages
• Sterilizes some items that
Steam cannot sterilize
• Can sterilize assembled
instruments because of
conduction heating
• Will not erode the surface
of glass
• Is not corrosive to metals
Disadvantages
• Difficult to Control
• High Temperature
• Slow and Uneven
Penetration
• Requires Long Exposure
Times
• Limited Packaging
Materials Available
• Not suitable to sterilize
fabrics and rubber
Types of Dry Heat
Sterilizers
•Gravity
Convection
•Mechanical
Convection
Gravity Convection Sterilizers
• Prone to air layering
which causes
temperatures to be
uneven
Mechanical Convection
Sterilizers
• Utilize a blower system
to insure even heating
thrughout the cycle.
CONVECTION
The process of heat transfer by the
circulation of currents from one area to
another
Dry Heat Cycle Phases
•Heat Up
•Exposure
•Cool Down
Items must be:
•Clean
•Dry
•Packaged
Preparation of Specialty Items
Oils and Powders
• Both Oils and Powders should be packaged less than 1
ounce and less that .25” deep
• The required sterilization temperature should be based on
manufacturer’s recommendations
Impregnated Gauze Strips
• Strips should be placed in a stainless steel container and
covered with petroleum jelly or other oil-based liquid
• Depth should not exceed .5”
Syringes and Needles
•Must be thoroughly Dry
•May be assembled
Instruments
• Must be thoroughly Dry
• May be assembled
• Ratchets and Boxlocks may
be closed
• Screws may be tightened as
necessary
Dry Heat Packaging Materials
• Heat Resistant Glass
• Stainless Steel Trays
• Cotton Muslin (if the chamber temperature does not
exceed 400 degrees F.)
• Aluminum Foil
• Nylon Films
• Certain Sterilization Containers (Check
Manufacturers’ Recommendations)
STERILIZATION
Quality Control
PROCESS INDICATOR
Devices intended for use with individual units
(for example, packs or containers) to
demonstrate that the unit has been exposed
to the sterilization process, and to distinguish
between processed and unprocessed units
External Chemical Indicator Tape
Before Processing After Processing
Examples of
Internal Chemical Indicators
Examples of
Internal Chemical Integrators
LOAD CONTROL
NUMBER
Label information on sterilization packages,
trays, and containers that identifies the
sterilizer, cycle run, and date of sterilization
Load Control Information*
Sterilizer
Number
Load
Number
Date Sterilized
*Must be placed on each item Sterilized
in the Central Service Department
S-1 L-5
05-03-07
Example of a Label Applicator Gun for
Load Control Information
JULIAN DATE
The Julian day or Julian day number (JDN) is
the number of days that have elapsed since
January 1st
Sterilization Logging Information
• Date and time of the sterilizer load control number
(sometimes called the lot number) which includes sterilizer
information.
• Specific items sterilized including:
• Quantity of items
• User (destination) department
• Complete item description
• Exposure time and temperature
• Sterilizer operator identification
• Results of biological testing (if applicable)
• Response of the CI placed in the BI test pack (if applicable)
• Results of the Bowie-Dick testing, if performed
Physical (Mechanical)
Monitoring
• Includes information from
time, temperature, and
pressure recorders
• Must be checked after
each load before the load
is released
BIOLOGICAL
INDICATORS (BIS)
Provide a measure of sterilization process
lethality
Examples of
Biological Indicators
BI Process Challenge Device (PCD)
Placement
BI Test
pack
Process Challenge
Devices
• Guidelines for Process
Challenge Devices are
discussed in detail on
pages 318 – 320 of the
text
BOWIE-DICK TESTS
Tests used to evaluate the efficacy of air
removal in dynamic air removal sterilizers
Examples of
Bowie-Dick (Air Removal) Tests
VALIDATION
Procedures used by equipment
manufacturers to obtain, record, and
interpret test results required to establish that
a process consistently produces a sterile
product
VERIFICATION
Procedures used by healthcare facilities to confirm
that the validation undertaken by the equipment
manufacturer is applicable to the specific setting
Specific information about verification
recommendations is discussed in detail on pages 321
– 322 of the text
SPECIAL HIGH TEMPERATURE
STERILIZATION
Concerns
D-VALUE
The amount of time required to kill
90% of the microorganisms present
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease
• Specific information
regarding procedures
for CJD are discussed
on pages 324 – 325 of
the text.
SOLUTION
PREPARATION
ANSI/AAMI ST79:2006, section 8.5.7 states:
“Primarily for personnel safety reasons,
inhospital preparation of and sterilization of
parenteral and irrigation solutions is
discouraged. When solutions are processed
in the hospital (i.e. emergency situations),
processing should be performed by trained
personnel”
Types of Solutions
Parental
Solutions
•Solutions that
are administered
to patients
intravenously
External
Solutions
•Solutions that are
normally used for
irrigating, topical
application, and
surgical use that
are given orally or
by inhalation
Flasking Technique
• Use only Borosilicate Glass Bottles
• Fill with freshly distilled water
• Use only vented closures that will allow
air and steam to escape
• Overfill by 3% - 5% to allow for
evaporation during sterilization

Chapter 15 high temperature sterilization

  • 1.
  • 2.
    Objectives: • As aresult of successfully completing this chapter, students will be able to: • Discuss factors that impact the effectiveness of sterilization and the methods of heat transfer associated with high temperature sterilization. • Discuss the advantages of steam sterilization. • Explain the anatomy of a steam sterilizer and identify the function of each major component. • Sizes of steam sterilizers • Jacket • Door, Gasket, and Chamber Drain • Thermostatic Trap • Gauges and Controls
  • 3.
    Objectives:• Provide basicinformation about the types of steam sterilizers • Tabletop • Gravity Air Displacement • Dynamic Air Removal • Steam Flush and Pressure Pulse • Special Purpose Sterilizer (Flash) • Special Purpose Sterilizer (Instrument Washer Sterilizer) • Provide basic information about the phases in a steam sterilizer cycle: • Conditioning • Exposure • Exhaust • Drying
  • 4.
    Objectives:• Describe theconditions necessary for an effective steam sterilization process: • Contact • Time • Temperature • Moisture • Explain basic work practices for steam sterilization: • Preparing devices and packs for steam sterilization • Loading a sterilizer • Unloading a sterilizer • Controlling wet packs • Cleaning and maintaining sterilizers
  • 5.
    Objectives: • Explain thebasics of dry heat sterilization: • When dry heat is appropriate. • Advantages and disadvantages of dry heat sterilization. • Types of hot-air convection sterilizers. • Dry heat sterilization procedures. • Explain the need for quality control and review sterilization process indicators that help assure quality control: • Need for quality control • Chemical indicators. • Sterilization load control information. • Physical and mechanical monitors. • Biological indicators. • Bowie-Dick tests • Validation and Verification processes • Review the basics of three special high temperature sterilization concerns: • D-values and sterilization effectiveness • Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) • Solutions
  • 6.
    Common Methods ofHeat Transfer • Conduction – Heat transfer from one part of an item to another • Convection – Heat transfer from one point to another as gas or liquid circulates
  • 7.
    Factors and Conditionsthat Impact Sterilization • Type of microorganisms present • Number of microorganisms present. (Bioburden) • Amount and type of soil present • Amount of protection the medical device provides
  • 8.
    BIOBURDEN The number ofmicroorganisms on a contaminated object; also called bioload or microbial load
  • 9.
  • 10.
    Advantages of Steam Sterilization •Low Cost • Fast Cycles • Relatively Simple Technology • Leaves No Chemical Residues or By- products Behind
  • 11.
  • 12.
  • 14.
  • 15.
  • 16.
  • 17.
    Gauges, Controls, andMonitors Provide a Visual and Written Record of Sterilizer Cycles
  • 18.
  • 19.
    TABLE TOP STERILIZERS Frequentlyused in Clinics and Dental Offices
  • 20.
    Water Port ona Tabletop Sterilizer
  • 21.
    GRAVITY AIR DISPLACEMENT STERILIZERS Steamsterilizer that uses gravity to remove air from the chamber. As steam enters the gravity sterilizer chamber, cooler air is forced out through the chamber drain
  • 22.
    DYNAMIC AIR REMOVAL STERILIZERS Steamsterilizers that use a vacuum pump or ejector system to mechanically remove air from the chamber
  • 23.
    GRAVITY AND DYNAMIC AIRREMOVAL STERILIZERS Differ in their methods of air removal
  • 24.
    STEAM FLUSH- PRESSURE PULSESTERILIZERS Steam sterilizers that use a repeated sequence of steam flushes and pressure pulses to remove air from the chamber
  • 25.
    SPECIAL PURPOSE PRESSURE STERILIZERS (FLASHSTERILIZERS) Steam sterilizers that are surgical instrument located at point-of-use. They are intended to be used in emergencies when there is no time for terminal sterilization.
  • 26.
    SPECIAL PURPOSE PRESSURE STERILIZERS (INSTRUMENTWASHER STERILIZERS) Combination units that wash and sterilize instruments to make them safe for handling by processing personnel
  • 27.
    Terminology • Terminal Sterilization– The process of sterilizing an item that is packaged • Flash Sterilization – The process of sterilizing an item that is not packaged
  • 28.
    Steam Sterilizer Cycle Phases •Conditioning • Exposure • Exhaust • Drying
  • 29.
  • 30.
    Steam Passes throughthe Thermostatic Trap
  • 31.
  • 32.
  • 33.
    DRYING Begins at thecompletion of the exhaust phase if packaged items are in the load Flash (unwrapped) loads have minimal drying times and in some cases, no dry time at all
  • 34.
    Conditions Necessary for EffectiveSteam Sterilization • Contact • Time • Temperature • Moisture
  • 35.
    Frequent Causes of SteamContact Failures • Failure to adequately clean the object being sterilized • Packages wrapped too tightly • Loads that are too crowded • Containers that are positioned incorrectly • Clogged drain strainer • Mechanical malfunctions
  • 36.
    Temperature Requirements • Steamsterilization must take place at specific temperatures in order to destroy heat resistant bacteria • The two most common temperatures used are: • 2500 F (1210 C) • 2700 F-2750 F (132.20 C-1340 C)
  • 37.
    TIME In order forsteam sterilization to be effective, all items within the load need to be exposed to a specific temperature for an adequate amount of time
  • 38.
    MOISTURE Adequate moisture isrequired for steam sterilization to be effective
  • 39.
    SATURATED STEAM Steam thatcontains the maximum amount of water vapor. The moisture content of saturated steam should possess a Relative Humidity of 97% to 100%
  • 40.
    Preparing Devices andPacks for Steam Sterilization
  • 41.
    Preparing Items forSteam Sterilization • Use instrument trays that are large enough to evenly distribute that metal mass • Use only non-linting materials when assembling sets and trays • Remove stoppers and tubes from drainage bottles and tubing from hemostats and clamps • Position items to allow for sterilant contact • Disassemble all multi-part instruments • Do not hold instruments together with rubber bands • Open all jointed instruments
  • 42.
    • Items withconcave or broad, flat surfaces should be placed on edge • Heavy instruments should be arranged to they will not damage more delicate items • Complex instruments should be prepared and sterilized following manufacturers’ instructions • Central Service Technicians must test and evaluate protective organizing cases sterilization and drying • Instruments must be inspected to ensure that they are clean • Instruments should be dry, with the exception of lumens which should be moistened Preparing Items for Steam Sterilization
  • 43.
    Catheters, Tubing, Rubber, andOther Goods • Due to it’s rough molecular structure, rubber is difficult to clean • Rubber can break down when exposed to heat, light, acids, solvents, petroleum products, ether and hot metal • Most rubber items are single-use items • When processing reusable rubber items, follow manufacturer’s guidelines carefully for cleaning and sterilization
  • 44.
    WOOD AND CORK Cannotbe sterilized by any hospital sterilization method
  • 45.
    OILS AND POWDERS Cannotbe sterilized by steam
  • 46.
    NO ITEM SHOULDBE STERILIZED… Without written instructions from the manufacturer
  • 47.
    Paper/Plastic Pouches • Should beused for small, lightweight items
  • 48.
    Small Perforated Boxes •Should be used to contain small items within instrument sets • Paper/Plastic pouches should not be used in trays
  • 49.
    Textile Packs • Shouldbe made of materials that allow adequate air removal and steam penetration • The manufacturer should be consulted for recommendations on package size and density
  • 50.
    Basins and Basin Sets•Graduated, nested basins should differ in diameter by at least 1 inch • Basin sets should be prepared so all basins are in the same direction to facilitate drainage and air removal • Non-linting absorbent material should be used to separate the basins • Basin sets should not exceed 7 pounds in weight
  • 51.
  • 52.
    Lumens • Moisten withdistilled or demineralized water • Do not moisten more than 2 hours prior to sterilization
  • 53.
    Loading the Steam Sterilizer •Allow for proper steam circulation
  • 54.
    Allow Adequate Spaceto Facilitate Air Removal and Drying
  • 55.
    Position solid bottomeditems so that water and air are not trapped inside
  • 56.
    When using Paper/PlasticPouches • Remember that only the paper side allows air removal, steam penetration, and drainage
  • 57.
    Stand Paper/Plastic Laminateon Edge (Use a holder if necessary)
  • 58.
    Do Not LayPaper/Plastic Laminate Pouches Flat
  • 59.
  • 60.
    Where Water CannotFlow, Steam Cannot Go
  • 61.
    Position Textile Packsso Layers within them are Perpendicular to the Shelf
  • 62.
    Unloading the SteamSterilizer • Open the sterilizer door according to protocol • The load should be free from any visible liquid • Wet items should be considered contaminated • Do not touch items that have just been removed from the sterilizer • Do not handle packages until they are cool
  • 63.
    Controlling Wet Packs • Packagesare considered wet when moisture in the form of dampness or puddles of water are found on or within a pack • Wet packs are considered contaminated
  • 64.
    Causes of WetPacks • Wet packs may be the result of improper placement or positioning of packs or their contents • Pack density can also increase the incidence of wet packs.
  • 65.
    Assembling and Wrapping InstrumentSets • Use only instrument trays with mesh or perforated bottoms to reduce the risk of wet packs • Use lint-free tray liners to help absorb moisture and facilitate drying • Evenly distribute set weight
  • 66.
  • 67.
  • 68.
    Clogged Drain Strainers CanImpede Air Removal
  • 69.
    Wipe the DoorGasket. Inspect for Signs of Wear and Defects
  • 70.
    Sterilizer Cleaning andMaintenance • Routinely clean sterilizer carts, carriages, and baskets • Inspect recording devices, paper charts and printer paper
  • 71.
    Sterilizer Cleaning and Maintenance •Clean the sterilizer chamber according to manufacturer’s recommendations to prevent residue build up • Check the Chamber Drain Strainer at least daily • Clean and Check the Door Gasket Daily • Clean the inside of the chamber with a non-abrasive cleaner • Follow Manufacturer’s Specific Instructions
  • 72.
  • 73.
    Dry Heat Advantages • Sterilizessome items that Steam cannot sterilize • Can sterilize assembled instruments because of conduction heating • Will not erode the surface of glass • Is not corrosive to metals Disadvantages • Difficult to Control • High Temperature • Slow and Uneven Penetration • Requires Long Exposure Times • Limited Packaging Materials Available • Not suitable to sterilize fabrics and rubber
  • 74.
    Types of DryHeat Sterilizers •Gravity Convection •Mechanical Convection
  • 75.
    Gravity Convection Sterilizers •Prone to air layering which causes temperatures to be uneven
  • 76.
    Mechanical Convection Sterilizers • Utilizea blower system to insure even heating thrughout the cycle.
  • 77.
    CONVECTION The process ofheat transfer by the circulation of currents from one area to another
  • 78.
    Dry Heat CyclePhases •Heat Up •Exposure •Cool Down
  • 79.
  • 80.
  • 81.
    Oils and Powders •Both Oils and Powders should be packaged less than 1 ounce and less that .25” deep • The required sterilization temperature should be based on manufacturer’s recommendations
  • 82.
    Impregnated Gauze Strips •Strips should be placed in a stainless steel container and covered with petroleum jelly or other oil-based liquid • Depth should not exceed .5”
  • 83.
    Syringes and Needles •Mustbe thoroughly Dry •May be assembled
  • 84.
    Instruments • Must bethoroughly Dry • May be assembled • Ratchets and Boxlocks may be closed • Screws may be tightened as necessary
  • 85.
    Dry Heat PackagingMaterials • Heat Resistant Glass • Stainless Steel Trays • Cotton Muslin (if the chamber temperature does not exceed 400 degrees F.) • Aluminum Foil • Nylon Films • Certain Sterilization Containers (Check Manufacturers’ Recommendations)
  • 86.
  • 87.
    PROCESS INDICATOR Devices intendedfor use with individual units (for example, packs or containers) to demonstrate that the unit has been exposed to the sterilization process, and to distinguish between processed and unprocessed units
  • 88.
    External Chemical IndicatorTape Before Processing After Processing
  • 89.
  • 90.
  • 91.
    LOAD CONTROL NUMBER Label informationon sterilization packages, trays, and containers that identifies the sterilizer, cycle run, and date of sterilization
  • 92.
    Load Control Information* Sterilizer Number Load Number DateSterilized *Must be placed on each item Sterilized in the Central Service Department S-1 L-5 05-03-07
  • 93.
    Example of aLabel Applicator Gun for Load Control Information
  • 94.
    JULIAN DATE The Julianday or Julian day number (JDN) is the number of days that have elapsed since January 1st
  • 95.
    Sterilization Logging Information •Date and time of the sterilizer load control number (sometimes called the lot number) which includes sterilizer information. • Specific items sterilized including: • Quantity of items • User (destination) department • Complete item description • Exposure time and temperature • Sterilizer operator identification • Results of biological testing (if applicable) • Response of the CI placed in the BI test pack (if applicable) • Results of the Bowie-Dick testing, if performed
  • 96.
    Physical (Mechanical) Monitoring • Includesinformation from time, temperature, and pressure recorders • Must be checked after each load before the load is released
  • 97.
    BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS (BIS) Provide ameasure of sterilization process lethality
  • 98.
  • 99.
    BI Process ChallengeDevice (PCD) Placement BI Test pack
  • 100.
    Process Challenge Devices • Guidelinesfor Process Challenge Devices are discussed in detail on pages 318 – 320 of the text
  • 101.
    BOWIE-DICK TESTS Tests usedto evaluate the efficacy of air removal in dynamic air removal sterilizers
  • 102.
  • 103.
    VALIDATION Procedures used byequipment manufacturers to obtain, record, and interpret test results required to establish that a process consistently produces a sterile product
  • 104.
    VERIFICATION Procedures used byhealthcare facilities to confirm that the validation undertaken by the equipment manufacturer is applicable to the specific setting Specific information about verification recommendations is discussed in detail on pages 321 – 322 of the text
  • 105.
  • 106.
    D-VALUE The amount oftime required to kill 90% of the microorganisms present
  • 107.
    Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease • Specificinformation regarding procedures for CJD are discussed on pages 324 – 325 of the text.
  • 108.
    SOLUTION PREPARATION ANSI/AAMI ST79:2006, section8.5.7 states: “Primarily for personnel safety reasons, inhospital preparation of and sterilization of parenteral and irrigation solutions is discouraged. When solutions are processed in the hospital (i.e. emergency situations), processing should be performed by trained personnel”
  • 109.
    Types of Solutions Parental Solutions •Solutionsthat are administered to patients intravenously External Solutions •Solutions that are normally used for irrigating, topical application, and surgical use that are given orally or by inhalation
  • 110.
    Flasking Technique • Useonly Borosilicate Glass Bottles • Fill with freshly distilled water • Use only vented closures that will allow air and steam to escape • Overfill by 3% - 5% to allow for evaporation during sterilization

Editor's Notes

  • #14 The red depicts the steam as it travels from it ’ s source INTO THE JACKET SPACE as seen in a cut away view of a sterilizer.
  • #16 It ’ s the heart of the system. If this is blocked there is no other exit point for air at the beginning of the cycle (remember that air is the biggest enemy to sterilization), or steam to exit the chamber at the end of the cycle, therefore wet loads will result.