Cycle Time

The length of the cycle time is the other important issue in selecting a sterilizer. The longer the cycle time, the more instrument sets and hand-pieces a busy practice requires.

The time required for a sterilization cycle is dependent on a number of factors. The type of cassette (light, thin cassette walls promote rapid heating and cooling) and the size of the sterilization chamber are both critical; the smaller the chamber, assuming that it is large enough for the typical instrument load, the more quickly air can be removed and steam and pressure introduced. Expelling the excess steam at the end of the cycle will speed up the drying stage and shorten the cycle time.

Since the limitations of N-cycle sterilization make it impractical for dental office utilization, the clinical choices should be limited to B- and S-cycle autoclaves. The B-cycle sterilizer takes a minimum of 47 minutes to complete versus the 6-9 minutes of a pressure pulsed S-cycle (without drying).

From a strictly time management point of view, the pressure pulsed autoclave systems make the most sense. Furthermore, since the S-cycled instruments (particularly expensive and delicate hand-pieces) spend less time in the corrosive environment of hot air and moisture, this technology offers not only a quicker but also a more gentle sterilization for the dental practice.

Autoclaving Time Temperature and Pressure Chart

Disclaimer

The content of this issue is presented for general information only as perceived by the writer of the article. Reader should independently verify the correctness and accuracy of the material before using the same for any purpose whatsoever. The Company or Management or Staff of Puneet Industries or the Writer shall not be responsible for any inaccuracy or error in the article.

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