ASP sterrad NX - Guidelines for Preparing Items to Be Sterilized; Cleaning, Rinsing, and Drying

4 Load Preparation
• Instrument mats other than STERRAD Instrument Mats.
• Instrument trays other than STERRAD Instrument Trays or
APTIMAX® Instrument Trays.
• Implants for which the manufacturer has not specifically recommended
sterilization
in the STERRAD® NX Sterilizer.
Guidelines for Preparing Items to Be
Sterilized
4 Note: All items must be cleaned, rinsed, and thoroughly
dried before being
placed in the STERRAD NX
Sterilizer. Loads containing moisture may cause
cycle cancellations.
Cleaning, Rinsing, and Drying
Cleaning and sterilization are two separate processes. As with all
sterilization methods, proper cleaning
of instruments and devices is a
critical and necessary step prior to sterilization. All items must
be cleaned,
rinsed, and
thoroughly dried before loading into the sterilizer. Carefully
inspect all instruments and devices for cleanliness and dryness and for
flaws
or damage prior to packaging. Ifvisible soil or moisture is present,
the item must be re-cleaned and dried prior to sterilization. Devices and
instruments with flaws or damage should be replaced
or repaired before
using.
The process
of cleaning is necessary to remove oTganic and inorganic soil
and debris from equipment. In this process, many microorganisms are
removed from the surface
of the items. The process of sterilization
inactivates all remaining spores and live microorganisms.
• Remove all blood, tissue, and soil from items
by following the device
manufacturer's instructions using an appropriate detergent
or cleanser.
• Rinse items thoroughly to remove detergent or cleanser residue.
•
Dry all items thoroughly. An acceptable method for drying is to blow
compressed gas through the lumen until
no moisture exits the distal end
of the device. Please ensure that any method used to dry the devices is
in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for use or contact
the device manufacturer to obtain appropriate and safe procedures.
It is
necessary to remove moisture from all parts of the items. Only dry
items should be loaded into the sterilization chamber to prevent
cycle cancellation.
28 STERRAOil!> NX ~ User's Guide