Hygiene Atlas

Atlas · Plate XIV · Infection Control · 07

Sterilization

Instruments are cleaned first, ideally in an ultrasonic cleaner or washer-disinfector, then packaged and sterilized. Know the cycles: gravity steam at 121 C for 30 minutes, prevacuum steam at 132 C for 4 minutes, chemical vapor at about 132 C, and static dry heat at 160 C for 2 hours. Packs stay sterile unless they get wet or torn.

High-yield facts · 10

  1. Steam autoclave (gravity displacement): 121 C (250 F) for 30 minutes for wrapped items.S9
  2. Steam autoclave (prevacuum): 132 C (270 F) for 4 minutes for wrapped items.S9
  3. Unsaturated chemical vapor: about 132 C (270 F) for 20-40 minutes; needs good ventilation; less corrosion of carbon steel.S7S65
  4. Dry heat static air: 160 C (320 F) for 2 hours or 170 C (340 F) for 1 hour.S65
  5. Dry heat forced air (rapid transfer): 190 C (375 F) for 6 minutes unwrapped or 12 minutes wrapped.S65
  6. Dry heat does not dull or rust instruments but can melt plastics and burn paper.S65
  7. Clean instruments first; bioburden left on them can block sterilization. Use ultrasonic cleaners or washer-disinfectors rather than hand scrubbing.S7
  8. Instruments are packaged before sterilization; unwrapped (immediate-use) sterilization is not for routine use or implantables.S7
  9. Liquid chemical sterilants (e.g., 2% glutaraldehyde) need about 10 hours for sterilization versus about 20-90 minutes for high-level disinfection, and items cannot be wrapped.S65
  10. Store sterile packs in a clean, dry area; event-related shelf life means a pack stays sterile unless it becomes wet, torn or compromised.S7

Facts are written in our own words; each tag links to its source. Values marked "sources vary" differ between references, so check the one your program uses.