Always follow manufacturer's instructions.
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AGENTS
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EXAMPLES
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COMMENTS
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Physical
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Steam Sterilization (moist heat) |
Autoclave
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Effectiveness dependent upon pressure, temperature, and time |
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Dry Heat |
Hot Bead Sterilizer, Dry Chamber |
Fast; instruments must be cooled before contacting tissue |
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Ionizing Radiation |
Gamma Radiation |
Special equipment required |
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Chemical
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Gas Sterilization |
Ethylene Oxide |
30% greater relative humidity required for effectiveness against spores; gas is irritating to tissue; all materials require safe airing time |
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Chlorine
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Chlorine Dioxide |
Minimum of 6 hours required for sterilization; presence of organic matter reduces activity; good for < 14 days |
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Aldehydes1
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Formaldehyde |
Many hours required for sterilization; corrosive and irritating; must take special safety precautions |