Steam Sterilization: The Importance of Air Removal and Verification
This article addresses the importance of air removal and verification including test details, regulations and standards, and risk mitigation for steam sterilization.
2019-10-15
Aaron Mertens
Key Takeaways:
- Air removal is key in steam sterilization to ensure full steam contact and efficacy.
- Prevacuum autoclaves use vacuum and steam pulses to eliminate air before sterilization.
- Verification tests confirm air removal effectiveness and detect potential leaks.
- ISO, AAMI, FDA, and EN support air removal testing, with frequency left to manufacturers.
- Daily air removal tests help maintain cGMP compliance and consistent sterilization.
