How to Use Sealed Packs in Autoclave

Sealed packs are placed into an autoclave, which is a steam-pressured sealed chamber that reaches a temperature of 270 degrees Farenheit to sterilize medical or dental instruments that are used for invasive procedures on patients. Once sterilized in an autoclave for approximately one hour the sealed pack is not opened until it is placed in a sterile environment directly before it is used in the procedure. All sealed packs must contain an indicator on both the inside and outside of the pack that changes color when the item has reached appropriate sterilization temperature.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves
• Goggles
• Gown
• Autoclave packs
• Cavicide or Empower solution

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Instructions

• 1

  Put on a protective gown, goggles and gloves. This will protect you from any cross contamination while preparing the instruments for sterilization

• 2

  Soak the instruments in either Cavicide or Empower. These solutions are designed to dissolve proteins found in blood or tissue left on the instruments. Rinse the instruments. All blood or tissue must be removed from the instruments prior to sterilization because the proteins will prevent steam from condensing on the instruments.

• 3

  Allow the instruments to dry completely at room temperature for approximately one hour. Instruments that are not dry will soak the sealed pack and cause the pack to become weak and could result in tearing.

• 4

  Place the instruments into the sealed pack. Do not overcrowd the instruments because this will make it difficult for the steam to penetrate the entire surface of the instruments for sterilization efficiency. Remove the adhesive strip protector and discard. Fold the adhesive side of the pack and turn it over to seal the pack smoothly.

• 5

  Place the sealed pack into the autoclave upside down horizontally with the clear side on the rack. Process the sealed pack in the autoclave according to the appropriate sterilization cycle for the autoclave you are using.