How to Use an Autoclave on Medical Instruments

The autoclave has helped the medical industry efficiently and consistently sterilize tools that can be reused on patients. The autoclave is a device that uses high heat and water to sterilize instruments. It helps to kill off any bacteria or germs that might pose a risk if used on another patient. Autoclaves are used in many medical settings - including hospitals, dentist's offices and doctor's offices.

Things You'll Need

• Medical instruments
• Autoclave
• Sink
• Sterilization pouch
• Log worksheet

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Instructions

• 1

  Clean the medical instruments of any tissue or other organic materials. Instruments should be cleaned immediately after their use prior to being placed into an autoclave.

• 2

  Rinse and dry the medical instruments thoroughly. Allow the instruments to dry. The instruments should be dry before going into the autoclave.

• 3

  Place the instruments into the sterilization sacks. Do not overfill the sacks. Place the sacks on the racks in the autoclave. They should be spaced approximately 1 inch apart to allow the steam to vent efficiently in the autoclave. Do not stack the bags.

• 4

  Verify that there is water in the autoclave. There should be approximately one-half to one-quarter inch in the trays. Run the autoclave after selecting the appropriate cycle based on the materials being sterilized. Autoclaves may have different temperature and cycle settings. Consult the autoclave manual for specific time and heat information.

• 5

  Document on a log sheet the type of materials, the autoclave temperature (highest heat), the date, initials or name of the autoclave operator and results.