The autoclave that uses saturated steam under pressure is one of the most dependable methods available for the inactivation of all forms of microbial life. To ensure safety and quality control, all biohazardous materials and items contaminated with potentially infectious agents should be decontaminated before use or disposal. Such items include, but are not limited to, toenail clippers, cuticle nippers, and metal cuticle pushers. Steam sterilization is not recommended for anhydrous substances, flammable materials, electrical equipment, or any item that may be damaged in the autoclaving process. How the autoclave works The most common steam sterilizer found is the gravity displacement type. Saturated steam enters the top of the changer by a steam pressure-control valve. As the steam enters, it pushes the air out through a trap in the drain line. Once all the air is evacuated, the trap closes. Steam continues to fill the autoclave 270 degrees Fahrenheit and 15 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) pressure. The sterilization procedure consists of three phases : 1. The autoclave heat-up time. 2. The contact time. 3. The cool-down time.
instructions whenever possible. In general, sterilize items for 20 minutes at 121 degrees C (270 degrees F) and 106 kPa (15 lb/in2) pressure. (Do not begin timing until the autoclave reaches the desired temperature and pressure.) Note : The units of pressure marked on an autoclave’s pressure gauge may vary from one autoclave to another. The following amounts of pressure (which are approximately equivalent) are the desired pressures for autoclaving: ○ 15 lb/in2 (15 pounds per square inch). ○ 106 kPa (106 kilopascals). ○ 1 atm (1 atmosphere). ○ 1 kgf/cm2 (1 kilogram of force per square centimeter) ○ 776 torr. ○ 776 mm Hg (776 millimeters of mercury). ● Step 6 If the autoclave is automatic, the heat will shut off and the pressure will begin to fall once the sterilization cycle is complete. If the autoclave is not automatic, manually turn off the heat or remove the autoclave from the heat source after 20 minutes if items are unwrapped. Wait until the pressure gauge reads “zero” to open the autoclave. Open the lid or door to allow the remaining steam to escape. Leave instruments or items in the autoclave until they dry. ● Step 7 Remove the instruments, trays, or unwrapped items from the autoclave using sterile pickups. To prevent condensation after removing the items from the autoclave, place them on a surface padded with sterile paper or fabric until they are cool. Wait until the instruments, trays, or items reach room temperature (which may take up to several hours) before storing. If using autoclave bags, check the indicator color on the bag to be sure the items in the bag have been sterilized long enough. Store the sealed dry autoclave bag in a clean, dry, protected area. Mark the bag with the date of autoclaving for future reference. ● Step 8 If you are not using autoclave bags, store items in a clean, closed container. While the autoclave is extremely efficient in sterilizing instruments, the process requires much more time than chemical disinfection. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you have several sets of instruments. Never shorten the length of time instruments are in the autoclave or open the autoclave before it has completed sterilizing. Opening an autoclave in the middle of a cleaning can result in severe burns. Cleaning your autoclave Every autoclave, even the one at your salon, needs cleaning . Experts believe about 25 to 35 percent of repairs could be avoided if autoclaves were cleaned on a regular basis. These cleaning tips are for a chamber autoclave, but no matter what type of autoclave you purchase, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on cleaning: 1. Unplug your autoclave. 2. Move your autoclave to a sink. 3. Remove trays or racks. Sometimes trays can be somewhat difficult to remove, so call your service representative or manufacturer if you need help. TIP: It may help to have a slightly warm chamber for the cleaning process. 4. Pick up the unit and empty the sterilizer chamber. 5. Replace the unit back on the counter top and pour some cleaner into the chamber. (You may purchase a cleaner from the manufacturer or from your hardware store. If you must use a manufacturer’s cleaning solution to maintain a warranty, by all means do so.) 6. Let the cleaning solution soak in for a few minutes. 7. Scrub with a scouring pad. 8. Pour out the solution.
The autoclave, which uses steam under pressure, is one of the most dependable methods available for the inactivation of all forms of microbial life.
Once the temperature has come to equilibrium, a minimum of 20 minutes contact time for all surfaces that require sterilization is necessary to insure complete biological inactivation. Usually the heat-up time section of the sterilization procedure is the time given for the autoclave chamber to heat up to the prescribed temperature; therefore, the run time used must be long enough for the entire package to equilibrate at 270 degrees and still give the load 20 minutes contact time. Steps in Cleaning Your Instruments in an Autoclave ● Step 1 In a sink, put instruments in warm water and detergent; then, hold the instruments under the water and scrub them with a clean brush, paying attention to crevices and grooves. Rinse clean instruments in warm water and dry using a lint- free disposable towel. ● Step 2 Open or unlock all jointed instruments and other items, such as cuticle nippers and nail clippers, and disassemble those with sliding or multiple parts. This allows steam to reach all surfaces of the item. Avoid arranging the instruments and other items together tightly because this prevents steam from reaching all surfaces. ● Step 3 If instruments and other items are to be wrapped before steam sterilization, use two layers of paper, newsprint, cotton, or muslin fabric (do not use canvas). Instruments and other items should not be placed in a closed container. ● Step 4 Arrange your instruments according to operator so they do not get mixed up. If you have multiple sets of instruments and operators in your salon, you may want to invest in an autoclave that has trays. This way each tray can be assigned to an operator, and instruments will be easily identified. You could also invest in autoclave bags so that each set of instruments belonging to an individual operator can have its own bag. This will reduce arguments over whose instruments belong to whom. ● Step 5 Because there are many types of autoclaves in use around the world, it is difficult to provide guidance on the specific instructions on operation. Follow the manufacturer’s
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Book Code: CFL1024
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