PROBLEMS
Corrosion in joint, cavities,
serrations or ratchets
Rust deposit on surface
Brownish stain or deposit of chromium oxide
Bluish Gray Stains
Purplish Black Stains
Pitting
Light and dark coloured spots or moisture remaining
on the instruments within the sterile wrapped packes.
PROBABLE CAUSES
Baked on blood, debris and residue left during sterilization.
Lenin wraps containing residue of caustic detergent chemicals
Chemicals in the detergent or excessive amounts of iron or
other minerals from the local water supply
Contamination from un-clean sterilizer chamber
Use of cold sterilizing solutions beyond recommended time
Presence of ammonia in the cleaning compound or in
autoclave system
Exposure to blood, saline solutions, potassium chloride
and other acids.Detergents with low pH (acid less than
6 pH) of high pH (alkaline more than 8 pH)
Water drops condensing on the instruments and evaporating
very slowly, usually traced to a high mineral contents in the
water supply. Excessive moisture in autoclave during
sterilization and termination of cycle
SOLUTIONS
Carefully clean and rinse affected areas with soft bristle
brush. Check with the laundry to make sure lenins are
rinse thoroughly
Use distilled or demineralized water. Surface rust can be
removed by light buffing or an application of metal polish
Use distilled or demineralized water to cycle through
the autoclave
Follow manufacturer’s guidelines use distilled water and
rust inhibitor
Use distilled or demineralized water too cycle through the
autoclave
Use only CE marked detergent with neutral pH (7). Clean
and rinse thoroughly. Use distilled or demineralized water
Ensure instruments are fully dried. Use distilled water only
Make sure that autoclave chamber is clean and check for
leak in gaskets or valves to stop condensation.
At the end of the autoclave cycle before the drying cycle
unlock the door and open it about 6-7mm. Then run the
drying cycle for the period recommended by the autoclave
manufacturer.If the autoclave door is fully opened before
the drying cycle, cold room air will rush into the chamber
causing condensation on the instruments that may result
in water stains or cause wet packs
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