Re: Dry heat Sterilization times! HELP!

sisterscope1 — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 12:49:30 GMT

Hi Fiona, dry heat sterilisation is rarely used and has specific indications for use. Dry heat sterilisation holding times are 160degC for 2 hours, the process works by heat conduction and is therefore not suitable for use on fabric/fibres - which do not conduct heat well and won't sterilise. You've already discovered they scorch, it would be a fire hazard to continue trying to sterilise swabs or drapes IMO.

Packaging for terminal sterilisation in dry heat is possible with nylon film pouches, made specifically for the process. Chemical indicators are also available for monitoring the process. I cannot comment on the metal containers without knowing more specific information about their construction.

Autoclaving (moist heat) is considered the standard sterilisation process for items capable of withstanding high temperatures, including swabs and drapes - can you maybe swap it for an autoclave, too late to send back?

In terms of sterility maintenance, assuming the packaging remains intact and is not damaged during handling and storage, they contents may be considered sterile indefinitely, events compromise sterility not time - so it's up to you to decide given your storage conditions when/if to resterilise.