Table B: Standard Recommendations for Flash Sterilization

Table B: Standard Recommendations for Flash Sterilization

CHARACTERISTICS OF ITEM(S) TO BE STERILIZED

GRAVITY

VACCUME

Nonporous
Non-Lumened

3 minutes @270°F (132°C) with no weight restrictions, load size restrictions, or density restrictions

Instruments must be properly decontaminated.

3 minutes @270°F with no weight restrictions, load size restrictions, or density restrictions. Instruments must be properly decontaminated

Porous
Lumened
Mixed Loads

10 minutes @270°F with no weight restrictions, load size restrictions, or density restrictions. Instruments must be properly decontaminated

4 minutes @270°F with no weight restrictions, load size restrictions, or density restrictions. Instruments must be properly decontaminated

Complex Instrumentation
Power Instrumentation
Special Substances

Please see Table D. Comply with manufacturers recommendations. Observe not only the sterilization parameters, but also adhere to drying recommendations and cool down protocols to prevent instrument damage. Never immerse, wrap in a moist towel, or run a hot power instrument in an attempt to cool it down. This will lead to premature ware to motor and bearings.

Generally a much shorter cycle. Please see Table D. Comply with manufacturers recommendations. Observe not only the sterilization parameters, but also adhere to drying recommendations and cool down protocols to prevent instrument damage. Never immerse, wrap in a moist towel, or run a hot power instrument in an attempt to cool it down. This will lead to premature ware of motor and bearings.

Implants

Not Recommended. If necessary, use a 10 minute cycle @ 270° F. You must run a biological indicator with the implant and report any adverse readings to the surgeon and infection control.

Not Recommended. If necessary, use a 4 minute cycle @ 270° F. You must run a biological indicator with the implant and report any adverse readings to the surgeon and infection control.

Record Keeping for Flash Sterilization.

Document the following for each cycle

1. The patients name or hospital ID

2. The load contents

3. The type and identification # of the autoclave

4. The parameters of the cycle used:
a. Cycle type: Gravity or Vacuum
b. Exposure time
c. Temperatures

5. The date and time of the cycle

6. Results of any internal chemical or biological indicators.

Document the following for each cycle

1. The patients name or hospital ID

2. The load contents

3. The type and identification # of the autoclave

4. The parameters of the cycle used:
a. Cycle type: Gravity or Vacuum
b. Exposure time
c. Temperatures

5. The date and time of the cycle

6. Results of any internal chemical or biological indicators.

For a complete list of references click here