Infection Control Manual, Guidelines

Sterilization Guidelines
	Introduction
	Equipment Classification
	Levels of Disinfection
	Cleaning/Reprocessing of GI Endoscopes
	Glutaraldehyde
	Methods of Sterilization and Disinfection

	Select Chapter:

Yale New Haven Hospital
QISS
GB 325
New Haven, CT
06504 USA

Dr. Jeff Topal
688-4634


Methods of Sterilization

Method of Sterilization Concentration or Temperature Activity level

Heat >250 F. (121 C),
pre-vacuum cycle ** Sterility

Moist Heat 271 F (132 C)** Sterility

Dry Heat 171 C x 1 hr.
160 C x 2 hr.

121 C x > 16 hr.
Sterility

Gas 450-500 mg/liter at Sterility

Ethylene Oxide (ETO) 55-60 C ** Sterility

**Time variable. Follow sterilizer manufacturer's recommendations for specific exposure and aerations times.

Last modified: March 12, 2000.