EFHSS Questions and Answers - Answer to Question Q00705

I have read your notes on 14% phosphoric acid for descaling the inside of autoclaves. Can you link me to a distibutor in Canada (Ontario preferrably)?

Thank You,
Ken

Dear,

In our hospital we use to our satisfaction the product "PRY" of Steris.
It's a stain remover cream that removes rust, grease, waterrings, oxidation, and hard to remove stains from metals, floors, vitreous units e.g..
It's for use on:

1. Sterilizer doors, interial chambers, trays, and related equipment.
2. Surgical instruments for removal of rust, water spots, discoloration, and stains.

It contains oxalic acid.
Distributed by
Steris Canada Inc
6280 Northwest dr.
Mississauga, Ontario L4V1J7
Canada, 800 661 3937

I hope this helps.

Best regards,
Wim Renders

Dr. Ken Luco.

Scale in the chamber means that the steam introduced to the Autoclave is wet and that it is of a very very. v.... poor quality. Attention!!
Stains in the chamber anf instruments have the same meaning in general.
Descaling shall be done by profesionals only. The descaling material should be a very low acidic solution. Non profesionals can try to descale by using Low concentration of Acid Lemon.
Any action like this must be done when the Autoclave is cold. At the end, you must flash the surface very well with tap water but, at the end use mineral-free water. Beware of soft water!
At the very end, It is recomended to use some Passivation paste. It will help the Stainless Steel to re-build a protecting layer.

But THE most important issue is the steam quality. Consult the device manufacturer.

Mery Christmas and a very happy, healthy and peacful New year to every body.
miki

Ruhof in the US have a product called Foam Autoclave Cleaning Treatment System or F.A.C.T.S. for short. www.ruhof.com