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Appendix 2
Recommended Instrument Sterilants
AGENTS | EXAMPLES | COMMENTS |
Physical: | Autoclave | Effectiveness dependent upon temperature, pressure, and time (e.g. 121°C for 15 min. vs 131°C for 3 min.). |
| Dry heat | Hot bead sterilizer Dry chamber | Fast. Instruments must be cooled before contacting tissue. |
| Ionizing radiation | Gamma radiation | Requires special equipment. |
| Chemical: Gas sterilization | Ethylene oxide | Requires 30% or greater relative humidity for effectiveness against spores. Gas is irritating to tissue; all materials require safe airing time. Carcinogenic. |
| Hydrogen peroxide | (Sterad®) | Not useful for "delicate" items. |
| Chlorine* | Chlorine dioxide (Clidox® , Alcide®) | A minimum of 6 hours required for sterilization. Presence of organic matter reduces activity. Must be freshly made (<14 days). |
| Aldehydes* | Formaldehyde (6% sol.) Glutaraldehyde | For all aldehydes: many hours required for sterilization. Corrosive and irritating. Consult safety representative on proper use. Glutaraldehyde is less irritating and less corrosive than formaldehyde. |
*Instruments must be rinsed thoroughly with sterile water or saline to remove chemical sterilants before being used.