Sterilization of medical equipment is an obligatory stage of work for all medical institutions in contact with biological environments of the human body. To sterilize medical instruments means to destroy all pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms on them. This is a long and laborious procedure, to facilitate which sterilization devices are used, one of them is a steam medical sterilizer.
What is subject to mandatory processing?
It is necessary to sterilize all medical instruments that come into contact with the wound surface and mucous membranes of the patient. The general list includes the following medical devices:
- material for dressing;
- dishes for analysis;
- operating linen;
- syringes and needles;
- rubber products: catheters, probes, gloves, drainage tubes;
- equipment in contact with the wound surface;
- dental instruments;
- equipment necessary for carrying out diagnostic measures.
The main stages of sterilization
The procedure is necessarily carried out in three stages, and this sequence is strictly observed. It consists of:
- Disinfection. This manipulation is carried out to destroy pathogens in the room, on consumables and tools used. Walls, floors, furniture, air, sanitary devices and patient care products are treated.Disinfection is carried out by two methods - physical and chemical, depending on the characteristics of the product and its purpose.
- Pre-sterilization cleaning. It is required for the final removal of fatty, protein and mechanical impurities. The tools are disassembled, washed with running water and completely immersed in a special washing solution. The quality of processing is checked by taking samples from any three products.
- Sterilization is a mandatory treatment of medical instruments and materials that come into contact with body tissues and blood. For complete sterilization, special equipment called autoclaves is used. The most effective method is steam processing. It is carried out by exposure to steam under elevated pressure and temperature in excess of 100 degrees Celsius.
The device and principle of operation of autoclaves
Steam sterilization under pressure is carried out in a special hermetically sealed apparatus having thick walls, it consists of:
- a steam boiler with a water heater;
- sterilization chamber;
- covers with rubber gasket;
- pressure gauge for measuring pressure;
- thermometer for temperature control;
- safety and exhaust valve for regulating steam pressure and holding it in predetermined ranges;
- a casing protecting the device from mechanical damage.
The operation of a steam autoclave sterilizer is based on the effect of hot water vapor on an object under pressure as a result of an increase in water temperature. The operating mode is selected depending on the processed medical devices. One of the advantages of an autoclave is the destruction of microorganisms in a short period of time. For example, at a pressure of 2 atmospheres and a temperature of 134 degrees Celsius, it will take 20 to 30 minutes to sterilize. The autoclaving procedure must be carried out by specially trained personnel with strict observance of safety regulations.
Types and types of medical steam sterilizers
According to the European standard, small sterilizers, the volume of which does not exceed 54 liters, are divided into three classes:
- N - autoclaves are used to sterilize only unpacked medical devices that do not contain gaps or voids. They load immediately into the tray. The device does not have the function of preliminary and final processing by vacuum. Some models have an additional drying function.
- S - used for the disposal of tools in which there are no complex cavities. Sterilization of solutions and materials is possible. There is vacuum drying in the autoclaves, but there is no pre-vacuum.
- B - steam medical sterilizers have the greatest functionality than devices of the previous classes. They are suitable for processing tools of any shape and packaging, as well as rubber products, fabrics and solutions. There is a function of preliminary evacuation and drying.
Large sterilizers include devices with a chamber volume of more than 54 liters.
According to the loading method, the autoclaves are horizontal and vertical. And according to the type of air removal from the chamber, they are divided into forevacuum and gravitational.
Autoclave GK-10
In the early 2000s, the autonomous medical steam sterilizer GK-10 was developed and introduced into production. Until today, it is one of the most attractive devices combining price and quality. The main advantage is the ability to program operating modes. In addition, the autonomy of the sterilizer plays an important role. It can be used in rooms with a small area where there is no sewage and water supply. It works on jellied distilled water, which is replaced from time to time so that scale does not form on the heating elements. And the four modes of operation provided allow you to easily switch to sterilization of various medical devices, depending on the temperature regime. It should be noted that the manufacturer continues to improve the equipment and is working to launch the production of a steam medical sterilizer with vacuum drying and pre-vacuum treatment.
Features of modern autoclaves
In connection with the technical evolution and improvement of devices, significant changes are constantly being made to the design of medical sterilizers:
- In modern devices, steam generator blocks are built in, which are responsible for generating and supplying saturated steam to the working chamber. Prior to this, steam was generated directly in the chamber.
- Air is pumped out from the working area of medical autoclaves using a vacuum pump. In this regard, hot steam penetrates much better into porous and bulk materials and provides the best disinfection efficiency.
- Thanks to the development of electronics, autoclaves are equipped with electronic control units and LCD displays with the conclusion of all the main process parameters. This innovation greatly simplifies the work of maintenance staff. To process equipment, the operator needs to load it into the camera and select the required mode.
Overview of Medical Steam Sterilizers
A very large number of steam autoclaves are produced. They can be desktop, vertical or horizontal with different cameras in terms of volume and purpose. Equipment manufacturers are scattered around the world.
Here is a list of some of the devices that should be used in accordance with the instructions attached to them:
- Globo 200 Cisa is a benchtop autoclave for processing medical devices and materials. Six sterilization cycles are provided for solid, porous and hollow medical devices, holds up to three standard trays.
- Globo 290 Cisa - the largest model of desktop autoclaves, has a volume of 77 liters. Equipped with pressure and temperature sensors, there is a switch. It has high performance, reliable and easy to operate.
- Cisa 3600 Series - 135 liter chamber capacity. It is equipped with a vacuum air removal system and a drying phase. The company guarantees perfect disinfection of materials and tools.
- Series 450 Cisa - provided with a pre-vacuum function and vacuum drying, it has a computerized control system, is reliable in operation, has a convenient control panel and ensures flawless sterilization.
Conclusion
Steam sterilization under pressure is a universal method of destroying all microorganisms. With this procedure, not only microbes and bacteria, but also their spores are completely eliminated.
All steam medical sterilizers solve one problem: to get a guaranteed effect when exposed to steam under pressure. Their difference from each other lies in technical specifications, the availability of additional options, the country of origin and the cost of equipment.