Here’s a fact I learned in Italy: You can’t sterilize a water droplet at 270°F for 4 minutes. That means any water left on an instrument—or in a sterilization pouch—compromises sterility.
We talk a lot about sterilization cycles, but drying is just as critical. Instruments need to be bone-dry before bagging, and the sterilizer’s drying cycle must be completed before packages are touched or used.
Why This Matters
When water droplets remain on an instrument, they shield the area beneath them from direct contact with steam. This renders that portion of the instrument unsterilized. Additionally, wet packages coming out of the sterilizer are prone to contamination if touched. Moisture acts as a wick, drawing bacteria into the package.
How to Prevent Wet Packages
Dry Before Bagging: After cleaning, instruments should be completely dry before being placed in sterilization pouches. If this isn’t happening, reexamine your cleaning and drying protocols.
Closed-Door Drying: Autoclaves like the W&H Lexa offer closed-door drying, ensuring instruments are dry before you even open the sterilizer.
Let the Cycle Finish: Never cut the drying cycle short. If packages are wet, they aren’t ready to be touched.
We’ve normalized cutting corners in dentistry, from rushing cycles to handling instruments too soon. It’s time to change that. Drying is just as important as cleaning and sterilizing.
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