A new vacuum-packaging process for in-hospital steam sterilization.

A new vacuum-packaging system has been developed for in-hospital sterilization of medical supplies and instruments. The system consists of a reusable, impermeable, clear plastic case that automatically seals when the steam sterilization cycle is complete. The outer case of the system seals over the inner basket that holds the medical supplies and instruments. A 2-microns reusable filter is located in the case's pressure release valve. Performance studies found that system heat-up time, holding time, maximum temperature, and cool-down time parameters were equal or superior to those for muslin-wrapped instrument trays used in steam sterilization.