Preparing The Instruments For Sterilization; Appendix 1 - Euronda E9 Next 18L Instruction Manual

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Table Of Contents

Table of Contents

APPENDIX 1

A correct sterilization depends on the processes described below being carried out correctly; these are all

equally important and, therefore, care must be taken while performing them.

1. Preparing the instruments to sterilise

2. Packing

3. Loading

4. Sterilization

5. Preserving the sterilized instruments

6. Routine maintenance of the unit

All the objects must be decontaminated and carefully cleaned and dried before being sterilised. In the case of

instruments with parts that are joined to each other, divide the parts or open them as wide apart as possible.

In the case of overalls or other reusable fabrics, these must be washed and dried after use and before

sterilization, to remove organic material and lengthen the "life" of the fabric, restoring it with its natural water

content (i.e. degree of humidity).

The objectives of the initial decontamination procedure are as follows:

a) inactivating bacterial proliferation

b) preventing mutual contamination while handling instruments

c) preventing any products on the instrument from drying

d) protecting personnel

Decontamination is carried out using detergents and, generally, solutions that are active against HIV, HBV

and HCV, or by washing at 93°C for ten minutes in thermo-disinfectors. Observe the indications given in the

technical data sheets of the products used.

The instruments are cleaned so as to eliminate blood, saliva, dentin and organic substances in general, that

may damage the materials to be sterilised, or even the steriliser itself. The use of ultrasound baths is

recommended, which offer numerous advantages with respect to traditional cleaning methods, such as

efficacy, speed and delicacy on the object being cleaned; always follow the recommendations provided by

the respective manufacturers. In general, after ultrasound cleaning with detergent and/or disinfectant, rinsing

the instrument is recommended, in that the disinfectant may take on corrosive characteristics as a result of

the heat.

Always wipe out any solutions carefully to avoid residues of moisture. Once dry, the instruments to be steam

sterilised in the unit must be appropriately packaged, whereas those to be cold sterilised must be immersed

in the appropriate chemical solution (glutaraldehyde, paracetic acid, etc.).

It is also important to check the instruments being used: avoid to sterilise instruments showing:

breaks

stains

rust

single-use devices that cannot be reused