Old Standard for Drying Time

[Sandy Peters]

I keep seeing the "old standard" being referred for 4 minutes exposure time. Is there is an "Old standard" for the drying time? I'm finding many times by reviewing the manufacturer's sterilization instruction, they neglect to mention how much drying time is needed and when I call them to check on the amount of drying time, they seem to never know that answer. I've not been able to find an old standard from the drying time. Can anyone help?

Also, I'm getting very frustrated when loaners coming in and when asked how to sterilize their instruments, they say, "just do it the normal way or how you do the other instruments." Is anyone else getitng this answer?

Thanks for your help.

[chipmoore]

Sandy, there is no "standard" for dry times, too many variables, like steam quality, sterilizer working to spec and load mix and configuration. If you ran a chamber full of linens/textiles, you could dry the load in 5 minutes. Loads of metal and plastic mix could range from 20 minutes up to 60 minutes. Mfg don't neglect to mention dry times, they don't know either. Many state minimum times to start from. Find a dry time that works at your facility and stay with it.
Chip Moore
Rochester, NY
Retired but involved

[lcox]

We have let all our Reps know that we won't sterilize instruments without manufacturing instructions. They have to have thier sets here 24 hours before the surgery, and if they don't have the documentation, they have plenty of time to contact thier headquarters and fax or e-mail this information to us.
If the set is brought in for an emergency less than 24 hours, before, our Instrument Specialist contacts the company headquarters for sterilization instructions.
Once a set has been here, the instructions are kept, and we check for updates at least once a year.