Sterilizing Techniques

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Sterilizing Techniques

• 4-H Veterinary Science
• Extension Veterinary Medicine
• Texas AgriLife Extension Service
• College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical
  Sciences
• Texas AM System
• http//aevm.tamu.edu

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Objectives

• Discuss the factors that must be considered when
  selecting a sterilization method
• Describe the process of preparing instruments for
  sterilization
• Describe heat sterilization
• Read and convert temperature scales
• Describe gas sterilization
• Describe chemosterilization

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• Sterilization
• Use of either physical or chemical procedures to
  destroy all microbial life that are resistant to
  disinfectants.
• Target microorganisms that exist on inanimate
  objects.

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What type to use

• Technologies available
• Types of instruments
• Types of materials
• Time availability
• Expense
• Safety

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• Type of instrument sterilization
• Withstand moist heat
• Corrode with moist heat
• No heat method

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Preparation

• Free of debris
• Soaking
• Detergent
• Scrubbing
• Ultrasonic cleaning
• Dry

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Conversions

• Celsius to Fahrenheit

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• Example
• So 50C 122F

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• Fahrenheit to Celsius

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• Example
• So 122F 50C

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Heat Sterilization

• Autoclave
• Most practical
• Use rust inhibitors
• Sodium nitrite
• Steam
• Time
• lt15 pressure
• 15 minutes _at_ 121C
• 5 minutes _at_ 135C
• Easy arrangement
• Not touching
• Corrosion may occur
• Also use a pressure cooker

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• Dry Heat Oven
• Dry instruments important
• 2 hours at 175C
• Disadvantages
• Loss of metal hardness and strength

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• Direct Flame
• Disadvantage
• Loss of metal hardness and strength

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Gas Sterilization

• Ethylene oxide
• Requires pressure container
• Requires several hours
• Uses
• Heat sensitive equipment
• Disadvantages
• Hazardous gas output

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Chemosterilization

• Liquid glutaraldehyde
• Time efficient
• 30 60 minutes
• Uses
• Heat sensitive equipment
• Fiberoptic instruments
• Gastroscopes
• Endoscopes
• Laparoscopes
• Caution
• Handle carefully
• Rubber gloves required

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Boiling Water

• Disinfectant
• Uses
• Stainless steel instruments
• Time
• 30 minutes

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Storage

• Clean, dust free environment
• Aseptic condition