How to Load a Sterilizer

Proper sterilization of medical equipment can make the difference between a safe surgical procedure and a potentially deadly infection. To keep patients safe, you must consider several factors when loading a medical sterilizer, or autoclave, including item position. With a few basic precautions, you can safely load many types of sterilizers.

Instructions

• 1

  Place heavy medical devices or large trays flat on the bottom shelves of the sterilizer and smaller items on the top shelves. Arrange very small items in perforated baskets to keep them from moving around. Position items so they don't touch the chamber walls.

• 2

  Arrange basin sets, bowls or other devices that could collect liquid on their sides to allow for drainage and prevent air pockets.

• 3

  Set wrapped linen packs such as towels or gowns on their edge so the folded layers are perpendicular to the shelves in steam autoclaves. If running a load with both linens and medical instruments, place the linen packs on the top shelf of the sterilizer.

• 4

  Place instrument pouches on their edge in the wire racks or baskets, all facing the same direction. Never place pouches flat in steam autoclaves, since this may cause water pooling on the plastic.

• 5

  Submerge the items and attach irrigation connectors to the channels that hold the medical instruments if you're using a liquid sterilizer.

• 6

  Record the contents of the sterilizer, machine number, load number, cycle temperature, date and other information required by your medical facility.