A variety of fabrics and textiles can be sterilized in an autoclave, for example many hospitals will use an autoclave to sterilize gowns, instrument packs etc. Veterinary practices will sterilize animal bedding materials, instruments and so on. Central Sterile Service Departments (CSSD’s) often use a combination of pouches and wrapping depending on the type of surgical instrument they are protecting from contamination. Pouches of any type are generally used for smaller surgical instruments, whilst wrapping is used for larger items such as surgical trays and pans. Surgical packs, wraps and plain closure bags are usually sealed with Autoclave Tape for security. This tape is designed to change colour beyond a certain temperature to help identify successful sterilization. It is important to use the correct tape as substitutes (such as masking tape) are not designed to withstand the conditions inside an autoclave.
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Download the PDF below and read more about porous loads and choosing an autoclave by load types.
Also included in the PDF
The challenges of wrapped instrument and fabric loads
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