Classification of Autoclave Cycles

The various types of autoclave cycles are differentiated by what they will or will not sterilize and how long they take to complete the process.

In terms of sterilization material targeting, the two most important parameters are whether the instruments are solid or hollow, and whether they can be wrapped, or must be left unwrapped. The concept of 'porous load' also plays a big role in cycle definition.

It makes sense that a sterilizing agent will have more difficulty penetrating and sterilizing a hollow object such as a hand piece than surface-contacting a solid object such as a dental mirror.

The chemical or physical agent can be simply passed over a solid surface, while it must be forced or sucked into internal spaces that have constricted access.

It is important to remember that many dental instruments are 'hollow', in that they have lumens or difficult-to-access areas. The key issue is that the air trapped inside these hollow areas cannot be easily removed to allow the sterilant to contact the instrument surface.

The sterilizing agent also takes longer to penetrate to instruments through wrapping than simply contacting unwrapped ones. The wrapping effectively envelops the instruments in a 'hollow' into which the agent must be forced or sucked.

On the other hand, the convenience and organization of wrapping instrument 'kits' together can greatly increase practice efficiency, and hence practice success. Another advantage of wrapping is that the instruments maintain their sterility during storage.

The ideal sterilization cycle for the dental practice is one that can handle both hollow and solid instruments, wrapped or unwrapped.

The least noticed phase of sterilization is the drying time. Instruments or wrapped packs should be allowed to dry inside the sterilizing chamber prior to removal and handling.

If they are handled while they are moist and hot, the packing can act as a wick, absorbing moisture and bacteria from the outside, and transporting them to the instruments inside.

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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