Packs of sterile instruments or materials that are to be stored for more than a week, should be double wrapped in packaging which is impermeable to water. The date of sterilization should be clearly marked on the outer wrapper. Expiration dates vary with packaging materials, but a general guideline is two months from the date of sterilization. Commercially available plastic dust covers will extend the shelf life to 6-12 months.

Gas Sterilization – is used to sterilize materials that can not withstand high temperatures. Items are placed in an autoclavable bag then sealed in the special plastic bag provided, along with a dosimeter and a gas sterilant ampule. The bag is placed in the gas sterilizer, and the exhaust hose is place inside the bag. The bag is sealed with a twist tie, then the ampule is broken through the bag. The door is sealed. After 14 hours the bag is removed and ready to use for surgical procedures.

Cold Sterilization – is used when gas or steam sterilization is not possible, but sterilization is required. Cidex is a liquid chemical sterilant and a high level disinfectant for such objects as anesthesia equipment, rubber, most stainless steel instruments, plastic, most dental equipment and many types of metals. Materials must be kept in the solution for 10 hours to eliminate all microorganisms.

• Wear gloves, a mask and goggles to protect your hands, eyes and respiratory system from splash or inhaling of Cidex because it can be toxic. Use forceps to remove materials from container and rinse thoroughly.
• Other commonly used chemicals include: glutaraldehyde, phenols, and chlorine dioxide. But all have serious drawbacks: glutaraldehyde is mutagenic, phenols are corrosive and both require special disposal procedures; chlorine dioxide has a short sterilizing useful life (1 day) and is corrosive to metals.
• All chemical agents require rinsing with sterile solutions prior to tissue contact.
• Review the manufacturers’ recommendations regarding effectiveness of chemical sterilizing agents.

• Glass Bead Sterilization – only the portion of the instrument placed into the heated beads is sterilized. This is convenient when doing multiple animals, but care must be taken to follow recommended time in the beads to assure sterilization.

Steam Sterilization - is used to autoclave metals and materials that can withstand high temperatures of at least 250°F for at least 15 minutes. Temperature and time will vary with each individual autoclave.