Using a bench top steriliser non vacuum phase what is the best way to store instruments before use? Can instruments be placed in open bags on their sides permitting air circulation and sealed immediately on opening chamber.

Regards
Margaret

Dear Margaret

Your proposed method bears too many contamination risks. Non-vacuum Bench top Sterilizers is a process of heat sterilization whereby air is passively displaced by steam and is suitable only for processing unwrapped solid instruments and the immediate use of this instruments. Air removal and steam contact with the instrument would be questionable. As these sterilizers do not dry loads after sterilization contamination is possible through damp packaging materials and sealing the bag after sterilization is an other risk and not to recommend. My advice use the bench top just for the immediate us of the instruments and not for storing them. If the transport to the point of use is a problem put a container cover on edge beside the instrument in the sterilizer - on opening the chamber put the cover aseptically over the instrument.

Kind regards
Josy Holdener

Dear,

There are 2 very interesting documents on benchtop steam sterilizers on Medical Devices agency's website: www.medical-devices.gov.uk. Click on index and then on B. There you can find:

• Benchtop steam sterilizers - Guidance on Purchase, operation and Maintenance.

Point 4.5 (p 13) tells you about: "Storage of devices after sterilization"
• Benchtop steam sterilizers Key Topics.

Best regards,
Wim Renders