Minimum cycle times for steam sterilization cycles
Type of Sterilizer | Item |
| Exposure time at 250°F (121°C) |
| Exposure time at 270°F (132°C) |
| Drying time |
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Gravity displacement | Wrapped instruments |
| 30 min |
| 15 min |
| 15-30 min |
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Gravity displacement | Textile packs |
| 30 min |
| 25 min |
| 15 min |
Gravity displacement | Wrapped utensils |
| 30 min |
| 15 min |
| 15-30 min |
Dynamic-air-removal (e.g., prevacuum) | Wrapped instruments |
| Not Applicable |
| 4 min |
| 20-30 min |
Dynamic-air-removal (e.g., prevacuum) | Textile packs |
| Not Applicable |
| 4 min |
| 5-20 min |
Dynamic-air-removal (e.g., prevacuum) | Wrapped utensils |
| Not Applicable |
| 4 min |
| 20 min |
Flash steam sterilization parameters
Type of Sterilizer |
| Temperature
| Time
| ||
Gravity displacement |
| Nonporous items only (i.e., routine metal instruments, no lumens) | 132°C (270°F) | 3 minutes | |
Gravity displacement |
| Nonporous and porous items (e.g., rubber or plastic items, items with lumens) sterilized together | 132°C (270°F) | 10 minutes | |
Dynamic-air-removal (e.g., prevacuum) |
| Nonporous items only (i.e., routine metal instruments, no lumens) | 132°C (270°F) | 3 minutes | |
Dynamic-air-removal (e.g., prevacuum) |
| Nonporous and porous items (e.g., rubber or plastic items, items with lumens) sterilized together | 132°C (270°F) | 4 minutes | |
Steam-flush pressure-pulse |
| Nonporous or mixed nonporous/porous items | 132°C (270°F) Manufacturers’ instruction | 4 minutes | |
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