How to Reuse a Steam Sterilizer

Commercial steam sterilizers are used by health-care organizations, instrument manufacturers and government organizations to sterilize equipment intended for use with patients or personnel. The steam sterilizer achieves sterilization by introducing pressurized water vapor to items loaded into a sterilization chamber. Currently steam sterilization is the most commonly used method of sterilization, as it offers no harmful side effects for equipment operators and has a relatively low environmental impact. The sterilizer also offers unlimited daily use following several steps to ensure proper order and sequence.

Things You'll Need

• Biological indicator
• Load rack
• Sterilization log book

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Instructions

• 1

  Empty the sterilizer. Look into the sterilizer chamber to ensure that all items from the previous load have been removed from the sterilizer. Any wrapped items left in the sterilizer will not be properly accounted for on your sterilization log, and items such as linen may be burned or seared when sitting in the sterilizer during multiple loads.

• 2

  Open the door. The sterilizer door should remain open between sterilization cycles to maintain proper temperature levels in the chamber. A closed door may cause a rise in temperature and jeopardize the ability to properly sterilize items, as the levels needed to achieve may not be met during the next cycle.

• 3

  Run a test cycle. If needed, run a test cycle prior to entering a new load. A test cycle may be needed if a change of shift recently occurred. A test cycle may also be needed if the sterilizer has just undergone a maintenance procedure. A test cycle may be run with a minimal number of items or with no items at all. When completed, record the results of the test cycle in the sterilization log.

• 4

  Prepare the load. Prior to loading items for sterilization, prepare the load by organizing items in the manner prescribed by your section's standard procedure. In general, cloth-wrapped items should be loaded on top of the load cart, while metal item or items packaged in a metal container should be loaded on the lower shelf. Linen-wrapped items should be loaded adjacent to each other in domino fashion, positioned at a 45-degree angle.

• 5

  Load items. Line the sterilization cart up with the slide rod located inside the sterilization chamber, then slide the cart into the chamber only when the slide wheels of the cart and the slide rod in the chamber are properly aligned. Be sure to release the locking pin prior to loading the cart, as the cart will not move unless the pin is released.

• 6

  Check the sterilization printout. Visibly check the sterilization printout located on the sterilizer to ensure the proper temperature, load sequence and technician signatures are present for each previous load. Do not run the load unless these items are verified and the current load is in sequence.

• 7

  Add biological indicator. A biological indicator is used during sterilization to indicate that sterilization was achieved. In many cases, the indicator is a small square-shaped wrapped item containing a chemical or biological test measure. The wrap that covers the item usually contains a color-change chemical test strip or dot, while the interior contains a vial filled with a biological agent that should also change colors when sterilization conditions are met. Place the indicator within the load as prescribed by your sections operating procedure.

• 8

  Start the cycle. Select the cycle that corresponds with type of items contained in the load. If you are sterilizing surgical equipment, certain items require that the load is run through the vacuum cycle only. Many instrument manufacturers will recommend the type of sterilization cycle needed for an item.