Amsco Evolution Series - Preparing Loads for Sterilization Cycles; Guidelines for Placement of Various Loads

6-6
129390199 Operator Manual Sterilizer Operation
6.2 Preparing Loads
for Sterilization Cycles
Before sterilization, all materials must be thoroughly cleaned.
The AMSCO
®
Evolution
®
Series Steam Sterilizer chamber holds
wrapped or unwrapped instruments and equipment.
1. Wrappers may be made of 100% cotton (muslin), 140 thread
count, two-ply fabric, and must be laundered; alternatively, use a
FDA cleared, commercially-available wrapper.
2. Limit the size and density of each muslin pack. Maximum size:
12 x 12 x 20” (305 x 305 x 508 mm); Maximum weight: 12 lbs
(5.4 kg). No pack should have a density in excess of 7.2 lbs/ft
3
(115 kg/m
3
). This ensures complete steam penetration, and
minimizes moisture retention.
3. Limit the weight of wrapped instrument sets to 25 lbs (11.3 kg) to
minimize moisture retention.
4. Limit the weight of basin sets to 3.2 kg (7 lbs).
6.3 Guidelines for
Placement of Various
Loads
Refer to ANSI/AAMI ST-79, and instructions below, for load
placement guidelines.
1. Open the sterilizer chamber door.
NOTE: If a cycle has been run, sterilizer and shelves or loading
cart may be hot.
NOTE: Wear clean gloves and use clean towels as “pot holders”
when carefully placing the load/tray(s) on the chamber shelves or
loading cart.
2. Place all packs on edge, and arrange load to allow for maximum
steam exposure so that there is minimal resistance for steam
passage through the load.
3. Place utensils and instrument trays on their edges so that they
will be sterilized and properly dried.
4. Place instrument sets in trays that have a perforated or mesh
bottom. Place flat for sterilization.
5. DO NOT OVERLOAD sterilizer (refer to Table 6-4 for
recommended loading guidelines). Allow for steam penetration
between packs. Avoid contact of load components with the wall
of the chamber.
6. After placing load in chamber, close the chamber door. The
sterilizer is now ready to run a cycle. Proceed to appropriate
cycle description in this section.
7. Materials capable of holding water, such as solid-bottomed
pans, basins and trays, should be positioned so that they are
oriented in the same direction and so that condensate can be
eliminated.
Important: Refer to S
ECTION 4, TECHNIQUES OF STERILIZATION, for
additional information regarding pack preparation, loading and
placement.
WARNING – BURN HAZARD:
Sterilizer, rack/shelves and
loading cart will be hot after
cycle is run. Always wear
protective gloves and apron
when removing a processed
load. Protective gloves and
apron must be worn when
reloading sterilizer following
the previous operation.
WARNING – PERSONAL
INJURY and/or EQUIPMENT
DAMAGE HAZARD: When
closing the chamber door,
keep hands and arms out of
the door opening and make
sure opening is clear of any
obstructions.
!
!