General Medical Fiber Optic Cable Autoclaving Guidelines

1.   Standard Gravity Sterilizer: Wrap fiber optic cable in a surgical towel and place in a clean open tray. Sterilize for 30 minutes 250 F at (15 psi.) or 121 C at 1 kg/Cm2.

2.   High Speed Instrument (flash) Sterilizer: Wrap fiber optic cable in a surgical towel and place in a clean open tray. Sterilize for 3 minutes 270 F at (15 psi.) or 132 C at 2kg/Cm2.

* Pressure differential during steam autoclaving may cause small bubbles in the silicone tubing. The bubbles will not affect the fiber optic cable and will dissipate with time.

Sterilization

Medical fiber optic cables are designed to withstand repeated autoclave sterilizations in the following types of sterilizers: standard gravity (Steam) and Steris (System 1). Avoid sterilizing cable with sharp or pointed instruments!

Following sterilization allow your fiber optic cable to cool to room temperature SLOWLY. Do NOT immerse or rinse in cold liquid, as this will cause fiber breakage and extensive light transmitting losses. 

General Guidelines for Steam Autoclave:

For additional information on Alpha Source Medical Fiber Optic Cables or information on how to Build a Custom Medical Cable call 1-800-654-9845.

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