Materials Manager

[VKOZIK]

I am looking for information on sterilizing linen. We have an ortho pack that we process and the indicators are not turning. We currently are running them on a gravity cycle 10 & 30. The top indicators are turning but the ones in the middle and bottom are not. The pack weighs 9 pounds. We are using KC 1 step wraps. Can anyone offer any guidance in to finding out why they are not turning? THANKS

[carol1967]

In AAMI ST 46:2002 5.8 it outlines the sterilization parameters for textile packs.
Gravity 30 min 250 or 25 min 270 30 min dry time.

Pre Vac
4 min 270 Minimum 5 min dry time.
Carol

[sonny1388]

As you can see by the parameters set by AAMI (thanks Carol!), sterilizing linen in a gravity sterilizer is tough, and takes a fair amount of time. I would recommend using prevac if possible, and making sure you are meeting the parameters already mentioned if prevac isn't possible. I would also suggest running a biological in a random pack, as the indicators only show that heat was applied, rather than showing that sterilization has been accomplished.

[VKOZIK]

We broke the pack down yesterday into a smaller pack and it processed fine. I am not sure that we are using "true" OR linen and am not sure where to find this information. I appreciate all your responses - this gives me a good starting point - THANKS