Microwave sterilization of ophthalmic surgical instruments /

Microwave sterilization of ophthalmic surgical instruments / Rorky K. Go, Mario J. Valenton

Common modes of sterilization currently available in most hospitals are: steam, gas (ethylene oxide) and cold (activated glutaraldehyde 2 ). Microwave at 2,450 MHZ have been used in the fixation of histopathologic specimens, sterilization of food, culture media, uretheral catheters, contact lenses, dental burs and handpieces. The effectivity of microwaves in the sterilization of representative opthalmic metallic surgical instruments contaminated with common ocular pathogen was tested. Results showed elimination of all contaminants after 4-8 minutes of microwave exposure with the use of a rotary plate. Although arcing back and damage to the microwave oven was prevented by placing a microwave absorbent materials as a parallel load inside the microwave cavity, 3 out of the 96 instruments were damaged.

Acta Medica Philippina,1993 29 ( 4 ) pages 212-219


Sterilization
Surgical Instruments