Maintaining Surgical Equipment Sterility: Methods & Best Practices

Autoclave:

- An autoclave uses pressurized, highly saturated steam that sterilizes by denaturing proteins.

Chemical sterilizers (like 80% Ethanol / Isopropanol):

- High-level disinfectant for surfaces.

- Sterilizes in approximately 10 minute contact time but can affect metal equipment in the long term if they have a high-concentration

Glutaraldehyde

- Intermediate-level that requires long exposure times

Quaternary ammonium chloride compounds (QUATS, for noncritical) - Disinfect

Vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP or VH2O2)

- A relatively new form of sterilization

Irradiation (EB/ E-BEAM or Gamma radiation)