Hello Everyone,

I am interested to learn what methods are available for rapid cooling of autoclaved instruments.

I assume that anything wrapped would be allowed to cool naturally (slowly). I understand that even placing a pack on a cold shelf is not acceptable as condensation may form.

I am more curious as to how an unwrapped instrument would be treated. I have heard that instruments are sometimes quenched in a cool saline or sterile water solution after a flash cycle to prevent patient burns. I would imagine that such a rapid thermal shock would damage delicate instruments.

I know that flashing instruments is discouraged, but does anyone know if flashing is still done anyways?

If so, does it reduce the life of instruments?

Do any other sterilisation methods exist that could subject an instrument to the thermal shock associated with rapid cooling after a flash cycle?

Thank you for your help.

Kindest regards,

Brad McCloy