Sterilization Sterilization completely kills all forms of microbial life including the most resistant forms, e.g., bacterial spores. Instruments that are considered to be critical items require sterilization using techniques such as autoclaving, dry heat or gas sterilization. It is essential that instruments be thoroughly cleaned prior to sterilization. The following methods are easy and safe procedures for sterilizing instruments in a physician's office. C Small wrapped packs 30 minutes 121-132 C Small autoclaves, similar in size to microwave ovens, are ideal for office use.
Distilled water is recommended as the water source to prevent scale deposits on the instruments.
It should be noted that microwave ovens are NOT appropriate for sterilization. Unwrapped instruments should be used immediately or aseptically placed in a sterile container. Only items that cannot be sterilized by autoclaving should be considered for hot-air oven sterilization. Powders, oils and creams are examples of items for which dry heat sterilization is recommended. It is imperative that the sterilization process be monitored to ensure that the process has been suitably accomplished.