EFHSS Questions and Answers - Answer to Question Q00613

Since we use the Prime-Line container covers (made of some plastic), made by the firm Aesculap and we find many containerlaods who are still wet. Some very wet.
The containers are not to haevy laoded, and they were dry after sterilisation whit a metal cover on the cantainer.
Who can tell me why this happends and is there any solution to avoid this.

Dear Jef,

I have been evaluating this product for two months, and encountered with the same problems as you describe. Tried to add a towel - it made no difference.
I removed the container from the autoclave immediately after the door was opened, and opened the lid (with heat protection gloves) - the lid & container were dry.
My assumption is that the lid is cooling down faster than the container and this creates condensation from the humidity in the air inside the container, or maybe even worse, from air coming in through the filter. Sorry I have not yet found a solution, and who ever has it and is willing to share it with us will be blessed.

Regards,
Yaffa Raz

Beloveds connect also in ours center of sterilization we use the containers with cover Prime line and have obviated to the problem of condense horizontally loading the single container on the advanced shelf with the autoclavi. For the container he loads to you on the inferior shelf, these have been to put in position oblique within hampers of mesh of metallic net. In the container we have only inserted irons and not cotton. The container does not have to be overloads in order to avoid that the filter is closed.the baskets is manifactures in one not woven woven layer to you of. Salutes Flavia Bossi and Donatella Rivolta from Monza (ITALY)

I understand that you say it comes from the container covers but before you asume that the wet load comes from the container lids you should try some tests.

Are you sure you have not changed something else except the containers?If you are sure then do some tests.

Have the same load in a old container and weigh on an scale with a accuracy of 0.00 gr, do the same with the new container and same load before and after the normal program. This will give you a clue if it comes from the new containers or not.

I have encounterd the same but this was due to new packing materials. The tip is to try and define, why you get wet loads, if it has to do with one thing or more, if defined you can solve the problem. Otherwise it will cost a effort, time, money to solve and this is what we don't have.

I hope that the idea will help.

Peter

To interface

1. Steel instruments (light and heavy) with
2. Alu Container with plastic cover
3. 1st or 2nd packaging (Paper? Textile? Linen? other?)
4. Steam Autoclave.

IS A CHALLENGE!
Such a process which will assure a consistant (repeatable) success must be learned, developed and validated. It is possible!
It is possible if the autoclave is maintained, if the steam is "Dry saturated", if it is packed correctly, not overloaded and many others Good Practices.
The ISO/DIS 17665:2004 present this approach. Approach that emphsis the importance of all these parameters to validate an effective sterilization process.

Practically, Stainless steel, Alu, and plastics needs a different amount of steam to rise temperature to 134C. The rate of cooling differs too. As you know, condensate accumulate on the coldest surfaces. You may find a difference of 50C inside the container.

My philosophy is SIMPLICITY!
Are Containers a Must? If positive, Why being the pioneer?

miki