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:
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Temperature
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134 C
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PreVac Time
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3 Minutes
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Dry Time
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20 Minutes
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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.
Back to Fiber Optic Cable Page
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