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7 DENTAL HANDPIECE STERILIZATION
Up to 5 dental handpieces may be sterilized concurrently in the autoclave in the
wrapped or unwrapped mode. No additional articles should be sterilized
concurrently with the dental handpieces. You should follow the handpiece
manufacturer's instructions regarding cycle times and temperatures. Where those
instructions have not been provided, you may use one of the automated
programs for wrapped and unwrapped instruments as follows:
Cycle Time (minutes) Temperature (ºF)
Unwrapped Instruments (Program 1) 3.5 273
Wrapped Instruments (Program 2) 8 273
Caution: Some dental handpieces may be contraindicated for exposure to high
sterilization temperatures. The electronic control system permits the sterilization
temperature to exceed the set temperature by 6°F. Hence, when utilizing one of
the automated programs, the sterilizer may reach a temperature as high as 279°F.
Loading:
No more than 5 dental handpieces, and only dental handpieces, should
be sterilized during the same sterilization cycle. This was the worst case scenario
validated during testing.
Users selecting other load configurations should validate the process to ensure
effective sterilization. When loading, sufficient space should be allowed between
each handpiece to allow effective steam penetration.
Tuttnauer recommends the review of ANSI/AAMI publication ST-42-1998
entitled: "Steam sterilization and sterility assurance using table-top sterilizers in
office-based, ambulatory-care, medical, surgical and dental facilities."
A. For Wrapped Cycles: (For unwrapped cycles, please skip to B).
(1) Remove all trays, except for the bottom tray, from the sterilization
chamber.
(2) Place in the sterilization chamber a five position, stainless steel pouch
divider specifically designed for paper/plastic pouches that will stand
on edge during sterilization. The pouch divider should be placed in
the center of the bottom tray level to the sterilizer.
(3) Seal each handpiece in a 3.5" x 9" paper/plastic peel pouch.
(4) Positioning the pouches in the pouch divider depends upon the
number of dental handpieces being sterilized. No more than 5
handpieces should be sterilized during any single cycle. In all cases,
the pouches should be positioned standing on edge and evenly
distributed in the handpiece rack. The sides of the pouches should
alternate, such that the paper side of one pouch stands next to the
plastic side of the next pouch.
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