Water vapor under high pressure is used as a sterilizing agent. The sterilization mode is determined by the steam temperature, pressure, and duration of exposure. Autoclave mode is determined according to the manufacturer's instructions. For example, the sterilization mode for a gravitational sterilizer is 1210C - 30 minutes, 1 atmosphere, and for a vacuum sterilizer 1320C - 3-4 minutes, 2 atmospheres; Mainly used for sterilization of heat resistant instruments / medical items; Autoclave sterilizing instruments / medical devices should be packed in such a way that the hot steam is in contact with the entire surface of the instrument / medical object. There should be no oily or greasy stains on sterilized items. A metal mesh is placed on the bottom of the autoclave. The distance between the mesh holes, the walls and the container cap is determined according to the autoclave instructions. The mass of items to be loaded in the autoclave is also determined according to the instructions;

Instruments / medical items should be removed from the autoclave after the sterilized material has cooled to room temperature and dried. If the wrapped sterilized material is left wet, then it needs to be re-treated. Sterilization of liquids should be performed using a heat-resistant glass container; Advantages of steam sterilization under high pressure are:

Reliability;

High efficiency;

Good ability to penetrate tissues;

Non-toxicity;

Used to sterilize liquids;

Drawbacks of steam sterilization:

Some medical items can not withstand water vapor and high temperatures;

Not used for sterilization of powders and oils.

Sterilization of instruments / medical items by steam, under pressure, at high temperature - is the most effective method of sterilization.