Sterilization time of loaner instrumentation by structure and materials

Objective To monitor the sterilization parameters by temperature and pressure probes, and investigate the sterilization time of loaner instrumentation with different structure and materials. Methods The performance test of pulsating vacuum pressure steam sterilizer was carried out using temperature and pressure probes. The sterilization parameters for 1 set of stainless steel instruments, 1 set of metal instruments with lumens, 1 set of macromolecule material instruments, 1 set of instruments with silicone were sterilized and monitored by placing 6 probes in the product locations that were most difficult to sterilize and 1 probe in the middle of the pack as a control. All the sets were processed for 3 cycles. Results The sterilization temperature was set as 134℃, with pressure of 2.1 kPa and sterilization time of 240 seconds. For stainless steel instruments, the above combination of temperature, time, and pressure was achieved in all 7 probes, while insufficient sterilization time was found in 1 probe of lumen instrument group for 3 times, in 3 probes in the macromolecule material group for 3 times, and in 6 probes in silicone group. Conclusion According to the results of this study, sterilization time should be set as 240 seconds for stainless steel instrument, more than 300 seconds for lumen instruments, more than 420 seconds for macromolecule material instruments and instruments with silicone to ensure the sterilization effect.