![]() ![]() lubricate the door hinges on a Midmark Ultraclave). If steam leaks are evident, replace the leaking component(s) or correct other mechanical issues that may lead to a leak (e.g. Have a stop watch handy and time how long the sterilizer is at full sterilization temperature and pressure and compare this time to the specifications in your owner’s manual (minimum should be 3 minutes, of course). ![]() Make certain the sterilizer achieves full sterilization temperature and pressure (using the gauges on the sterilizer). Watch for any obvious signs of problems, such as steam leaks. Run a cycle and observe your sterilizer throughout the cycle. This is all that is required to achieve overkill, so sterility can be assured ( see steam sterilization principles). Most autoclaves run at about 135° C (275° F) and 30 psi (pounds per square inch), with a cycle time at that temperature and pressure of 3-7 minutes. The greater the temperature and pressure, the lower the time required. In order for a sterilizer to render a load sterile, it requires the presence of a particular temperature and pressure for a minimum amount of time. If your sterilizer is not displaying any error messages (or if you have a manual sterilizer), you’ll need to rely more on your powers of observation. Check these out if you are getting any error messages. We’ve decoded the errors for some sterilizers (such as the Statim) in Practice Tips #20 and #21. Most automatic sterilizers will display error codes if there is a failure during a sterilization cycle. If the second test also results in failure, it’s time to start looking more in-depth at your sterilizer. Then perform a second test, making sure certain operator-related issues have been addressed and/or assurances taken to avoid them. Review proper sterilization procedures and techniques with staff before repeating the test. ![]()
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