At UCSF, autoclaving is the only method recommended for use by the investigators. The use of the gas sterilization method is only approved through the UCSF Medical Center's central sterilization facility. Sterilization indicators should be used to identify materials that have undergone proper sterilization. The use of liquid chemical sterilizing agents must be conducted in approved facilities with adequate ventilation systems and should be used with adequate contact times. Instruments should be rinsed with sterile water or saline before use.
Alcohol is neither a sterilizing agent nor a high-level disinfectant.
If the sterilization date has expired then instruments and supplies must either be discarded, or re- sterilized with the new expiration date clearly posted. All articles to be sterilized must be clean. Double envelope wrap method where two wrappers are used can be used to wrap the items being sterilized. Place items in the center of the wrap and fold up the wrap from the bottom, doubling back a small corner. Fold the right and then left edges over again, leaving corners doubled back.