How to Sterilize Cotton Swabs

Sterile cotton swabs are used in hospitals, tattoo studios and laboratories. Professionals in these establishments use a piece of equipment called an autoclave to sterilize disposables like cotton swabs and other instruments, such as surgical tools or needles, that are used more than once. An autoclave uses the combination of heat, steam and pressure to sterilize the contents inside. A cycle in the autoclave usually runs for about 45 minutes. An autoclave should be tested at least once a month to ensure running cycles are spore free.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton swabs
• Latex or nitrile gloves
• Sterile pouch
• Autoclave
• Indicator strip

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Instructions

• 1

  Write the date onto the paper side of the sterile pouch. Wash your hands.

• 2

  Don a pair of latex or nitrile gloves. Place the cotton swabs into the sterile pouch. Peel off the strip from the flap top of the sterile pouch. Fold the flap down to seal the pouch.

• 3

  Place the pouch and an indicator strip in the tray in the autoclave. The indicator strip and the pouch will change colors when the sterilization process is complete.

• 4

  Remove your gloves. Turn the autoclave knob to the fill option. Allow the autoclave to fill to the fill line at the bottom of the machine. Turn the knob to the sterilize option and set the timer for 45 minutes. Close the autoclave door.

• 5

  Turn the knob to vent when timer rings after the 45 minutes has passed. Watch the gauges on the autoclave to confirm they are decreasing during the vent cycle.
  Don gloves and remove the sterile pouch. Log the indicator strip in your records. Store the cotton swabs in a clean environment or use them immediately.