Tuttnauer 3870 EHS (HSG-WS) [40/58] Preparation before sterilization

6 PREPARATION BEFORE STERILIZATION

This section applies to the sterilization of all instruments [except for dental

handpieces]. For the preparation of dental handpieces, please refer to the

handpiece manufacture’s instructions and see section 7 in this manual.

CAUTION: The liquid cycle is not meant for the sterilization of liquids

intended for direct patient contact.

The purpose of packaging and wrapping items for sterilization is to provide an

effective barrier against contamination during storage, once the items have been

sterilized.

Packaging and wrapping materials should be approved for use in a steam

sterilizer and permit the removal of air and penetration of the steam during the

sterilization process.

The basic principle of determining the size, mass and contents of instrument and

hollowware packs is that the contents are sterile and dry immediately upon

completion of the drying cycle

Instruments to be sterilized must be clean and free from any residual matter,

such as debris, blood, pads or any other material. Such substances may cause

damage to the instruments themselves or the sterilizer.

1. Clean instruments immediately after use. It is recommended that instruments

be ultrasonically cleaned using Tuttnauer’s Clean and Simple enzymatic

cleaning solution.

2. After ultrasonic cleaning rinse under tap water for 30 seconds and pat dry to

remove residual minerals. If your tap water has a high mineral content then

rinse a second time in a bath of distilled water or alcohol to remove minerals.

3. Launder textile wraps prior to reuse, but do not use bleach.

4. Follow the instrument manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and

lubricating instruments.

5. Be sure that instruments of dissimilar metal (stainless steel, carbon steel,

etc.) are separated. Carbon steel instruments should be bagged or placed on

autoclavable towels and not directly on stainless steel trays. (Mixing will

result in the oxidation of these metals).

6. Do not place materials to be sterilized directly on the chamber’s wall. Place

the material only on trays, rack, etc.

7. Check the manufacture’s instructions as to the proper procedure for

sterilizing each item.

8. Place a sterilization indicator in each tray or inside each wrapped pack.

9. All instruments must be sterilized in an open position.

10. Use single-use wraps once only and discard after use.

11. Verify that the packaging method is in accordance with good practice

approach and the packaging materials are in accordance with the applicable

standards (e.g. EN868 series).