- Dry heat used for sterilizing items that cannot be processed through steam sterilization.Functions differently from moist heat (steam). Generally requires a high temperature setting than other sterilization methods.Slow acting agent.There are two types,Gravity convention and Mechanical convection.
- Accomplished by a method called conduction
- Conduction process: the heat is absorbed by the exterior of an item is passed inward to the next layer allowing the saturation of heat to the entire item.
- The process depend on the right temperature time,how well the heat penetrates the packages,the bio-burden that is associated with the product and free circulation of hot air throughout the chamber
LOADABLE ITEMS
- Oil and powder
- Gauze impregnated with oil
- Needles
LOADING PROCEDURES
- Manufactures instruction must always be followed
- All items must be clean and free of soil prior to loading
- The chamber must be never be overloaded,and ample space must be allowed between each item.
- Packages should not touch the chamber walls.
- The quantity of a liquid (oil) or powder to be sterilized should be limited to that required for a single-use application.
- Only heat resistant items loaded
- Gauze strips should be placed in a stainless steel container and covered with petroleum jelly .
- Glass syringes and needle must be thoroughly dry,and may sterilized fully assembled
- Instruments must be thoroughly dry. The ratchets and box locks may be closed.
- Technicians should always use insulated gloves,when removing items packs from the machine.
- It is recommended to let items cool before removing.
CAUTION: UNLOAD ABLE ITEMS
- Fabric
- Rubber items
- Delicate items that cannot go through hot air
- Disposable rubbers
PROCEDURES FOR ROUTINE MONITORING
- Indicators are used to determine the progress of each load
THE PROCESS INDICATORS
- Helps confirm that packages have been properly exposed to the sterilization process
- May be the first sign of processing error
- Internal and external types of processing indicators
THE CHEMICAL INDICATOR
- Visual evidence of the successful completion of a sterilized process
- Provide instant result and are usually the performance test the users see upon opening a sterile package
- The biological indicator is placed in the center of every load pack. The type of BI is Bacillus atrocious
TROUBLE SHOOTING INFORMATION
After a major repair to a dry heat sterilizer, three consecutive test cycles with a process challenge device (PCD ; previously known as a BI challenge test pack) should be run immediately after on an empty chamber
OTHER INFORMATION
- sterilization is a minimum of 320F (160C) for 2 hrs
- up to 250F for 6 hrs; 356F for 1/2 hr
Packaging materials
- Heat resistant glass
- Stainless steel trays
- Aluminum foil
- Nylon film
- Cellophane
MAINTENANCE
- Keep the over clean
- Check the temperature gauge regularly using appropriate thermometer and checking the gauge vs the thermometer
- It is mostly used in industry
