settle on a small number of instruments.
3
Remove the temptation to flash. A couple years ago, we
removed all flash sterilization containers from our sub-sterile
area. This forced our reprocessors to wrap all instrument trays
and autoclave them in a high-vacuum cycle. We keep our 2 flash packs
hidden. Staff have to ask permission to use them, and we scrutinize
every request.
4
Change the parameters on your autoclaves. We changed the
parameters on all 6 of our sterilizers from gravity to vacuum
cycles so that we have the proper exposure, temperature and dry
times for wrapped instruments. In pre-vacuum or high-vacuum cycles, air
is mechanically
removed from the
chamber and the load
goes through a series
of vacuum and pres-
sure pulses. This lets
the steam penetrate
porous areas of the
load that couldn't oth-
erwise be reached with
simple gravity dis-
placement. While
slightly longer than
immediate-use cycles
(3 to 10 minutes with
no dry time), vacuum
cycles (4-minute sterili-
J U L Y 2 0 1 6 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 1 1 5
