Table 2 - Instrument Sterilants
NAME |
EXAMPLES |
COMMENTS |
| Steam sterlization (Moist heat) |
Autoclave | Effectiveness depends upon temperature, pressure and time (eg. 121Cº for 15 min vs. 131Cº for 3 min) |
| Dry Heat | Bead sterilizer | Fast |
| Instruments must be cooled before contacting tissue | ||
| Ionizing radiation | Gamma radiation | Requires special equipment |
| Gas Sterilization | Ethylene Oxide | Requires 30% or greater relative humidity for effectiveness against spores |
| Gas is irritating to tissue- all materials require safe airing time | ||
| Special equipment | ||
| Chlorine | Clidox™ | A minimum of 6 hours required for sterilization |
| (chlorine dioxide) | Presence of organic matter reduces activity | |
| Must be freshly made (<14 days) | ||
| Instruments must be rinsed thoroughly with sterile water or saline prior to tissue contact |
||
| Aldehydes | Cidex™ | Many hours required for sterilization Corrosive & irritating |
| (gluteraldehyde) | Consult safety representative for proper use | |
| Instruments must be rinsed thoroughly with sterile water or saline prior to tissue contact |
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| Alcohol with flaming | Cool instruments in sterile saline or water | |
| Flaming will dull instruments |