Correct use steps of disinfection cabinet

Classify and store items to be disinfected

High temperature resistant items (metal instruments, glassware, ceramic tableware) → high temperature disinfection layer (120℃~135℃)

Non-high temperature resistant items (plastics, silicone, latex, some medical devices) → ozone/ultraviolet disinfection layer (≤60℃)

Special medical supplies (endoscopes, catheters) → must comply with YY/T 0506 standard, select special sterilization mode

Pretreatment: cleaning and drying

Thorough cleaning: food residues, blood, organic residues will affect the sterilization effect (especially surgical instruments need enzyme washing first)

Drain thoroughly: avoid water stains that cause high temperature steam burns or reduce the efficiency of ozone disinfection

Place properly to avoid overlapping

Metal instruments: lay flat to avoid stacking to block ultraviolet rays or hot air circulation

Bowls, plates and cups: turn upside down or sideways to ensure that the inside can also be fully disinfected

Plastic products: avoid contact with heating tubes to prevent deformation

Choose the appropriate disinfection mode

Misunderstandings in the use of disinfection cabinets: Which items must not be put into high temperature sterilization?

• Explosive and flammable substances (high-risk taboos)

Nitrate compounds: such as nitroglycerin and nitrocellulose filters, which can cause explosions at high temperatures

Metallic lithium/sodium/potassium: react violently with water vapor, corrode the inner tank of the equipment and may explode

Organic peroxides: the decomposition temperature of peracetic acid, benzoyl peroxide, etc. is lower than the sterilization temperature (above 120°C)

• Plastic and melamine products (toxicity risk)

Ordinary plastic tableware: PE/PP materials deform at high temperatures of 120°C, releasing toxic substances such as bisphenol A

Painted melamine tableware: formaldehyde resin decomposes at high temperatures, and heavy metal glaze precipitates and contaminates food

• Metal products and electronic equipment

Aluminum tableware: high temperatures cause oxidation deformation and damage the surface protective layer

Items containing batteries: high temperatures cause battery explosions, such as electronic thermometers and pacifier thermometers

• Chemicals and medical supplies

Alcohol/solvents: the ignition point is lower than the sterilization temperature (such as ethanol ignition point 12°C), and the vapor concentration reaches 3% and then explodes

Medicines and vaccines: High temperature denatures proteins, such as insulin and antibiotics, which are completely ineffective

• Instruments made of special materials

Ethylene oxide sterilized instruments: catheters, surgical gowns, etc. that have been sterilized at low temperatures, high temperatures will destroy the molecular structure

Mercury-containing equipment: mercury vapor in thermometers and sphygmomanometers is highly toxic and corrosive to stainless steel liner

• Textiles and paper products

Synthetic fiber fabrics: nylon and polyester melt and adhere to the inner wall, blocking the ultraviolet holes

Books and documents: high temperature carbonizes paper, and ozone disinfection will cause the handwriting to fade

• Other high-risk items

Undried tableware: residual water stains generate steam pressure, damage the sealing ring and reduce the sterilization efficiency

Glass milk bottles: sudden cooling and heating are prone to bursting, so borosilicate heat-resistant glass should be used

Scientific use suggestions:

Power on at least once a week to dehumidify and sterilize, and avoid long-term use as a locker

If plastic products need to be disinfected, a dedicated layer of ozone + low temperature (≤60℃) mode should be selected