The issue of sterilization of instruments and products comes first in any medical institution. They are used in such fields of medicine as dentistry, gynecology, otolaryngology, surgery and therapy. Sterilization boxes are selected depending on the type and size that is needed for this or that department.
Bixes can be round or rectangular, with or without a special filter. They can differ not only in shape, but also in size. Consider the features, types of bixes, what they are made of and how they are used in medicine.
What is a sterilization box and what is it for?
Boxes for sterilization are designed to store dressings, surgical underwear or medical instruments made of metal, glass or rubber. In them, not only the process of sterilization of products, but also storage takes place.
Sterilization Bix is made to destroy various types of microbes and effectively sterilize medical devices. It has a special film that prevents bacteria from entering and creates an additional protective barrier for medical devices. It can not only be sterilized, but also transported and stored materials or tools.
The box is designed in such a way that the vapors that penetrate the filters completely sanitize the space inside and, thus, processing (sterilization) of the products takes place. Bix can hold dressing materials, medical instruments, rubber tips and heat-resistant syringes.
Types of bixes and terms of their sterility
Sterilization boxes, which are actively used in all medical institutions, can be divided into old and new type bixes. Old-style boxes have windows on the case, which can be opened and closed with a metal movable tape. In the new generation of bixes, at the bottom of the case there is a special antibacterial filter that provides better sterility of tools and materials. There are also other classifications of sterilization boxes.
Types of medical bixes:
- without filter - on the case there are side openings through which steam passes during the heat treatment of products inside the box (they can be closed and opened);
- with a filter - there are openings on the lid that are closed from the inside with a filter or double-layer calico (the filter is designed for 20 sterilizations, subsequently requires replacement).
Each species has its own sterility period. So, a lens without a filter, which has not yet been opened, can be stored for 3 days, already opened it keeps the materials in it sterile for only 6 hours. Bix with an unopened filter can be stored for 20 days; at opening, the sterility period is 6 hours.
Bixes also differ in volume. The sizes of sterilization boxes can vary from 3 l to 18 l. They can be made of plastic or stainless steel, in the form of being round, oval or rectangular. Some boxes have a special handle that makes it convenient for transportation. Each medical institution chooses a suitable size and type of biks. Most often, boxes with a medium-sized filter of 6-12 liters are selected.
How to prepare Bix for sterilization?
In order to prepare the box for sterilization, you should first make sure that it is working and there are no errors on it, especially inside (chips, scratches). Then there is the preparation of the material, which will be sanitized. Further, the material is placed in the bix.
Preparation of the Bix for sterilization occurs in stages:
- Check the bix and the lid, which should be tightly closed. The box inside should be wiped with a 0.5% ammonia solution before disinfection to disinfect it.
- Laying sanitation material, which is covered on top with a clean cloth.
- Put a sterilization indicator depending on the temperature regime that is used for a particular product.
- A tag is attached to the handle of the already closed bix, on which all information is indicated (department, cabinet, type of material for sanitation, method of installation, initials of the person who performed installation).
- Next, the box is transported to the compartment in a dense, moisture-proof bag.
Ways to stack material in bix
Materials or tools are not placed randomly in the sterilization box, but in a clear order.
Ways to stack bixes:
- species - materials or medical instruments of the same type are located here;
- target - an instrument or material is being prepared that must be sterile for a specific surgical intervention or medical procedure;
- universal - everything that may be needed by the treatment room or the operating room is laid all day long.
Largest in size can be bix with universal styling and species. The smallest boxes in volume for the target styling, but here it all depends on the complexity of the operation or therapy.
Round sterilization box with filter: composition, features and dimensions
Most often, medical institutions use sterilization boxes with a round filter (KSKF or KF). They consist of a body, handle, cover, lock, 2 filters, clip, latch, earrings and retainer. Filters for bixes make it possible to sterilize at a temperature of about +132 degrees for 20 minutes or at +120 degrees for 45 minutes.
At the end of the expiration date of the filter, you can always buy a replacement one depending on the size and type of box. It should be noted that filters for KFSK and boxes of sterilizing KF are interchangeable. Shelf life of bix reaches 36 months.
Sterilization boxes are sold only assembled with two filters and have instructions for use.
The following sizes of sterilization round boxes with filter are available:
- KF-3 - volume 3 l, diameter 19 cm, height with legs 14 cm, weight 600 g, dimensions 179 x 179 x 149 mm (cost about 800 rubles);
- KF-6 - volume 6 l, diameter 25 cm, height with legs 16 cm, weight - 1 kg, dimensions - 235 x 235 x 165 mm (cost about 1200 rubles);
- KF-9 - volume 9 l, diameter 29 cm, height with legs 16 cm, weight - 1.2 kg, dimensions - 285 x 285 x 165 mm (cost about 1,500 rubles);
- KF-12 - volume 12 l, diameter 34 cm, height with legs 16 cm, weight - 1.6 kg, dimensions - 335 x 335 x 165 mm (cost about 1700 rubles);
- KF-18 - volume 18 l, diameter 39 cm, height with legs 19 cm, weight - 2 kg, dimensions - 380 x 380 x 200 mm (cost about 2000 rubles).
When buying a Bix, it is important to pay attention to the manufacturer’s stamp and certificate.
Bix Stands
In addition to filters for sterilization boxes, there are also stands. They are designed to install bixes. The stand consists of a frame (steel pipes of circular cross section coated with polymer powder for repeated treatment with disinfectant solutions). This design can be disassembled. It is durable and has a long service life.
The stand may have a pedal that performs the function of opening and closing the lid on the boxes for sterilization. The Bix is tightly fixed to the stand with clips. Stands can be different depending on the type and shape, their weight is up to 15 kg. There are designs for round bixes with diameters from 160 to 360 mm. There are also stands for rectangular bixes (width varies from 160 to 360 mm, length - up to 600 mm, height - from 100 to 270 mm). The design of the stand has five legs with plastic plugs.
Conclusion
In addition to high-tech equipment, any medical institution uses sterilization boxes. Their volume, type and type depends on the specifics of the department. Bixes perform not only the sanitation function, but also help to store and transport sterile instruments and materials.