🦷 How to Autoclave Dental Instruments: A Step-by-Step Guide for Dental Practices

Ensuring your instruments are properly sterilised is critical for patient safety and CQC compliance. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of autoclaving dental instruments step by step whether you're a new team member or simply refreshing your knowledge.

🔍 What is an Autoclave?

An autoclave is a sterilisation device that uses high-pressure steam to kill bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores on dental instruments. Most UK dental practices use Class B autoclaves, which are approved for sterilising hollow and complex instruments.

🧼 Step 1: Pre-Clean Instruments

Before placing anything in the autoclave, make sure all instruments are:

Rinsed and cleaned of visible debris
Ultrasonically cleaned, if required
Thoroughly dried (wet items can compromise the cycle

📦 Step 2: Load Instruments Correctly

Use sterilisation pouches or wrap instruments in approved autoclave wrapping
Avoid overloading trays; allow steam to circulate
Ensure pouches are sealed and placed with transparent side up

🌡️ Step 3: Select the Correct Cycle

Most Class B autoclaves offer pre-set cycles. For typical dental instruments:

Choose Cycle B for hollow instruments
Ensure the load type matches the cycle
Start the cycle and allow it to complete fully, including drying
💡 Tip: Some units include built-in tracking to log each cycle for CQC records.

🧊 Step 4: Allow Cooling Time

After the cycle finishes:

Do not open the door immediately — wait for the cool-down period
Ensure pouches remain dry and intact
Avoid touching instruments with bare hands

✅ Step 5: Store and Log Sterilised Instruments

Store in clean, dry drawers or cabinets
Ensure dates and cycle records are logged (manual or digital)
Instruments should be used before the pouch’s expiry date

🛠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overloading the autoclave
Using the wrong cycle
Not drying instruments before or after the cycle
Failing to monitor sterilisation records

🧪 Routine Testing & Validation

Dental autoclaves must undergo:

Daily testing (e.g. steam penetration, Helix test)
Quarterly and annual validation by a qualified engineer/competent person
Pressure Vessel Inspection (PVI), usually annually, for compliance

📦 Recommended Equipment

Looking for a reliable autoclave? Explore models like the Stern Weber SW-17/22/28 Plus and Platinum series – compact, efficient, and CQC-ready.