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AUTOCLAVE PROCEDURES

Effective Sterilization: Correct method of packaging

Correct packaging of waste ensures that steam penetrates the load. It is important to remember that the density of the load affects steam penetration; bags packed to capacity with biohazardous waste will not be properly decontaminated even if autoclave parameters are observed. Therefore, if autoclave bags are not overloaded or the waste purposely compacted inside, the waste should be properly sterilized. The waste should be put into orange, polypropylene autoclave bags that are left open during autoclaving. Polypropylene is impervious to steam, if autoclave bags are closed during the sterilization process, the inner temperature of the bag will not be sufficient for decontamination. Bags then need to be placed into shallow, rigid containers to avoid or contain spills.

Proper loading of unit

Autoclave Procedures Table of Contents