Our sterilisation process

We follow the highest standards of hygiene and sterilisation protocols to ensure you are given the best care

Instruments are physically cleaned prior to sterilisation
Instruments are thoroughly cleaned to remove blood or other debris prior to sterilisation. Blood or debris on the instruments can prevent steam or unsaturated chemical vapour from contacting the instrument surfaces to achieve sterilisation. The use of enzymatic cleaning solutions assist in cleaning the instruments.

All instruments are packaged prior to sterilisation
Packaging instruments is critical in maintaining the sterility of instruments until they are used, whether the instruments are placed directly in a sterilisation pouch or in an instrument cassette that is wrapped or placed in a sterilisation pouch. Extra instruments that may be stored in the treatment rooms may be contaminated if they are placed loose in drawers and not protected by packaging materials.

Integrators are placed in instrument packages
These are strips that monitor more than one of the parameters required to achieve instrument sterilisation. These strips monitor the temperature, as well as penetration of the steam or chemical vapour into instrument packs.

Instruments are stored away from possible cross-contamination and moisture Sterile instruments are first left in the steriliser until the packaging material has dried to prevent tears or punctures of wet materials and to prevent wicking of air contaminants into the packages. Sterile instruments are then stored in appropriate storage areas – closed cabinets or drawers, but not above the steriliser or near a sink, where the packaging materials may become wet.

Sterilisers are tested for spores weekly
Spore testing is accomplished in an in-office system.