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ı00°C (or 2ı2°F!) – yet our instruments need to be sterilised between ı34°C and ı38°C. This means that we have to raise the temperature of the steam by putting it under pres- sure – and the steam has to be in contact with ALL surfaces of the instrument, to achieve sterilisation. With a hollow instrument,
this means that the steam has to contact ALL of the surfaces within the internal tubes – and this cannot be done within the three minute holding time if they still have air or fluids in them, therefore the instrument has to be fully purged. A vacuum steriliser is necessary to evacuate the internal tubes, leaving the way clear for steam to penetrate. If the instrument was put
into a downward displace- ment (N type) machine instead, air is not removed
“If you are looking to purchase, it is well worth choosing a decontamination solution where the supplier offers full expert service and
customer support backup” Malcolm Card
by drawing it out under vacuum, so is not as complete – which means that there could still be air and fluids remaining within the internal tubes, preventing steam from contacting all surfaces, and hence there is a risk that the instrument could have been through a sterilisation cycle but is not actually sterile. Pouched loads can remain
in a sterile condition for a period of storage prior to use. This varies from country to country, therefore we advise that you check your local
guidance as it could be six months or one year. Although there are many
differing views of what the current regional guidelines require, I hope that this article clarifies what should be considered best practice. For more information regarding the issues of decontamina- tion within your practice, you should contact a specialist decontamination supplier for advice. If you are looking to purchase
decontamination products, it is well worth choosing a
decontamination solution where the equipment supplier offers full expert service and customer support backup. There are a number of
suppliers, choose those that offer added value such as full technical teams and extras like the W&H 24 hour support site at
www.wh247support.co.uk Choose a supplier who takes
your decontamination needs seriously.
64 Scottish Dental magazine
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