Sterilization Methods

In general follow the sterilization instructions of the manufacturer.

Sterilization Methods:

1. Autoclaving

Normally, autoclaving is performed with satu­rated water steam at 134°C. In special cases a temperature of 121°C can be used for a longer time. Steam used for sterilization has to be free from any contamination, otherwise rust particles from the conducting system may cause corrosion or a high content of silicic acid may lead to discoloration of the instruments. Due to heating and cooling down during the sterilization process, a surgical instrument with a closed ratchet may suffer from tension stress which causes stress cracking in joints or deterioration of the clamping force. Therefore, such instruments have to be sterilized either in open condition or closed on the first ratchet only.

2. Hot-Air Sterilization

• When surgical instruments are hot-air steril­ized, please take care to load and operate the sterilizers properly.
• To ensure safe sterilization, the temperature should not be below 180°C but should not exceed 200°C as this may cause structural changes leading to irreversible damage, especially as far as microsurgical instrument are concerned.
• Instruments with parts of rubber, plastic, or textile as well as plastic-coated instruments and handles for electrodes are not suitable for hot-air sterilization.
• The general use of lubricating agents should be omitted prior to hot air sterilization. Only oil the joints and ratchets of surgical instruments.

3. Gas Sterilization

• Gas sterilization should only be used when no other method is suitable i.e. it is not recommended for surgical instrument.
• Components of motor line, Optical systems of rigid endoscopes and Flexible endoscopes can be gas sterilized.

4. Cold Sterilization

It is not recommended for surgical instruments due to the following reasons:

• Most cold sterilization solutions render in­struments sterile only after a 10 hour immersion. This prolonged chemical action can be more detrimental to surgical instruments than the usual 20 minute autoclave cycle, resulting in corrosion and dulling of sharp edges on knives, scissors, hooks, etc.
• The solutions are not changed as recommended, causing undesirable suspensions, as blood, saline, proteins, medi­cations, detergents, soap, and debris, to circulate forward to new instruments.
• The instruments generally are not rinsed with deionized (softened) distilled water after being removed from these somewhat corrosive solutions (Cold Sterilization Solutions).
• With time and use these solutions become ever more corrosive.