Steam and dry heat sterilization of biomaterials and medical devices

Abstract

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Without sterilization, infectious disease could exist everywhere in hospitals or healthcare facilities, and it is debatable whether antibiotics could control such an extensive attack. Heat sterilization is typically divided into steam sterilization and dry heat. Steam sterilization and dry heat have many similarities, such as the ability to sterilize virtually all organisms with no toxic residues or waste, but they also have differences. Steam sterilization can distort, corrode or wet materials, whereas dry heat can degrade and melt many heat-sensitive materials and devices. Dry heat also has excellent penetration capabilities. Heat in general can improve and enhance the microbial effectiveness of other methods of sterilization. Determining which sterilization method is most appropriate to use in any given situation requires the identification and discussion of the sterilizing principles, qualities, uses and prospects of the different techniques. This chapter will provide a discussion of each method and describe how heat can improve sterilization.