| Sterilizer Manufacturer: Tuttnauer |
| Model of Sterilizer: |
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Problem Title:
Tuttnauer E/EA/EK/EAK Sterilizing Problem |
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Problem Description:
Spore tests are failing or indicator strips are not turning |
| Reasons |
| 1. It has many reasons related, such as: heavy load, temperature or time not set correctly or pressure and temperature out of calibration. ... etc. |
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Solutions |
| 1. Autoclave may be too heavily loaded Sterilization problems can be the result of improper loading of the autoclave The recommended loading for any Tuttnauer autoclave is that the instruments be laid out one level deep. It is never recommended that instruments be laid on top of each other. In addition the total load in the autoclave should not exceed the poundage noted in the following table: Sterilizer Model Loads1730 3 lbs 2340 7 lbs 2540 9 lbs 3870 18 lbs Incorrect loading will impede the sterilization and drying ability of the autoclave Tuttnauer makes a pouch rack for sterilizing bagged instruments that will also aid in properly drying the instruments. The pouch rack allows the pouches to be stood on edge, as recommended by the pouch manufactures. Use of the pouch rack automatically provides proper spacing for better sterilization and drying. If a pouch rack is not used then the pouches should be laid on the tray plastic side down |
| 2. Checking temperature and pressure Run a sterilization cycle with a temperature of 273 degs F. (134 degs C.) Check if the unit is able to reach the proper pressure 29 – 30 psi Check if the autoclave temperature is able to reach 273F. Different models will take varying amounts of time to reach this temperature: 1730E, 2340E & EA, 2540E & EA units will take approx. 20 minutes 3870E & EA units will take approx. 35 minutes All EK & EKA units will take approx. 6 minutes (these times are approximate and depend on the initial temperature of the Chamber and the incoming voltage) If the unit is able to reach a pressure between 29 and 30 psi, but not able to reach 273 F. then clean or replace the Air Jet If the unit is not able to reach the proper pressure, then check the pressure If the unit reaches temperature and pressure but does not stay at temperature or pressure for the proper length of time, it has either pressure problem or temperature problem, or both |
| 3. Temperature and Time settings may be incorrect Sterilization problems can be the result of an improper sterilization temperature or time Tuttnauer autoclaves have been certified to sterilize at two temperatures. The first being 250F(121C) for a period of 15 minutes for unwrapped instruments or 20 minutes for wrapped instruments. The second at 273F(134C) for a period of 3 minutes for unwrapped instruments or 7 minutes for wrapped instruments The autoclave can sterilize at other temperatures, however the appropriate sterilization time for each intermediate temperature has not been calculated by Tuttnauer. If a temperature between 250F(121C) and 273F(134C) is being used the best procedure is to default to the longest possible sterilization time, in this case it would be 15 minutes for unwrapped instruments and 20 minutes for wrapped instruments. It is not recommended that a temperature below 250F(121C) be used for sterilization. In all cases a spore test is your only guarantee of proper sterilization. If adhering to these instructions still results in a failed sterilization cycle then continue to the next step. |
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The technical information is just to help sterilizer users as reference to do their trouble shooting. no guarranty implied. For each specific technical help to do with sterilizers or autoclaves, go to www.sterilizers.com ... or call 1-800-801-9934 Contact Us |