EFHSS Questions and Answers - Question Q00771

I wondered whether you could advise me. what are the advantages in dental uses, of a vacuum autoclave over steam autoclaves? in surgical work e.g. implants, there is a bit of discrepancy as most will use vacuum autoclaves, but some single wrap and some double wrap. surely the double wrap is safer apart from providing a sterile environment for the outside of the inner wrap as your last posting stated? also in passing instruments, the dirty nurse, opens the outside wrapping carefully and the surgeon grips the sterile inner package?

Hi

Forgive me for being pedantic but we need to use the terminology correclty. Vaccum autocalves use steam for sterilization just as non-vacuum machines do so they are, by definition, a type of steam sterilizer. I suspect the differentiation you refer to is between vacuum-assisted sterilizeers and non-vacuum sterilizers. The differences in operating cycles reflect the types of loads that can be re-processed and the (in)ability to store instruments between sterilization and use. If instruments require storage - hence will require sterilization after packaging - or have hollow or cannulated qualities the type of sterilizer used must be able to provide the correct parameter values throughout the load. For these loads the sterilizer must have the capacity for active air removal and this must be validated by thermometric testing before the machine is put into use and regularly tested therafter. Also the sterilizer should be used in strict compliance with the manufacturer's instructions. These should state what level of packaging, if any, are acceptable. The issues with respect to best practice in surgery will better be answered by someone more qualified than me.

Apologies if I have misinterpreted your question.

Peter Hooper