All reusable critical and semi-critical items that are heat tolerant undergo heat sterilization. Semi-critical items that are not heat tolerant will undergo high-level disinfection or are disposed of. If a high-level disinfectant is used, it will be tested for efficacy prior to placing items. Currently, we use a hydrogen peroxide high-level disinfectant (Resert XL® by Steris). It is a solution of a concentration of hydrogen peroxide (2.0%) and a blend of inert ingredients that help achieve rapid microbial efficacy (8-minute contact time). Prior to use, the solution must be checked with monitoring strips for efficacy.
Single-use items will never be re-used.
All cassettes that are not prepackaged or water-resistant go through the washers prior to sterilization. Each washer is tested daily for chemical effectiveness. The test strips are kept in a logbook maintained by CS staff.
Methods of Heat Sterilization:
| Type |
Time |
Temperature |
| Gravity Displacement |
30 minutes |
121°C / 250°F |
| Pre-vacuum |
5 minutes |
132°C/270°F |
| Dry Heat |
60 -150 minutes |
170°C – 190°C/340°F – 375°F |
