PROCEDURE FOR THE OPERATION OF MOIST HEAT STERILIZER

Precautions And Instructions:

Ø  Ensure that the chamber of the autoclave is cleaned properly.

Ø  Ensure that the main steam line pressure is sufficient to operate the autoclave (i.e. minimum required steam pressure = 6.0 Kg/cm² )

Ø  Always ensure that that if one door is open, the other door is closed.

Ø  Always load the filled and sealed ampoules/vials which are to be sterilize, from sterile end of the autoclave and always load the general load from non sterile end of the autoclave.

Ø  Ensure that the circular chart is loaded in the circular chart recorder.

Procedures:

Ø  Open the steam condensate valve and drain the condensate from the steam line.

Ø  Open the door of the autoclave and load the items to be sterilized (ampoules, vials or general load) from the appropriate side (Sterile Side or Non Sterile Side) as per the loading pattern.

Ø  Close the door of the autoclave.

Ø  Switch on the circular chart recorder.

Ø  Open the steam inlet valve and allow the steam to enter in the jacket.

Ø  Once the jacket becomes full (pressure = 1.5 Kg/cm² ), adjust  the multi port valve to STER position and allow the steam to enter from jacket to chamber.  The drain temperature will increase up to 121° C.

Ø  Now, note down the “ster hold” start time.

Ø  Continue the “ster hold” as per the sterilization parameters mentioned in the annexure - I

Ø  After completion of the “ster hold”, turn the multi port valve to “Slow exhaust” position and simultaneously open the compressed air valve (if applicable) slowly in such a way to maintain the pressure of the chamber at 15 lbs psi.

Ø  Continue the cooling till the drain temperature reaches to 70°C.

Ø  Now, stop the compressed air supply and ensure the complete exhaust of the chamber.

Ø  Open the door of unloading side and take out the entire sterilized load.

                   Forms and Records

Ø   Nil