Some observations relating to the sterilization of syringes. II. By the hot air oven.

IT is generally accepted that syringes can be effectively sterilized by autoclaving, provided certain basic conditions are observed. There is, however, still some divergence of opinion on certain details connected with the procedure. Instru~­ tions on the preparation of syringes for autoclaving vary. particularly in regard to whether-they can be packed assembled or not. The Medical Research Council's War Memorandum No. 15, The Sterilization, Use and Care of Syringes (1945), states that packing for autoclaving should be as for hot air sterilization, i.e. syringes should be lubricated and assembled. Alexander & Rollason (1955) found that spore-contaminated, assembled syringes, some of which were oiled, were sterilized at temperatures of 120° C. at a pressure of 20 lb. for twenty minutes [sic] except in two instances where the autoclave concerned was old. Other workers point out that as sterilization depends on penetration of steam to all parts, syringes must be taken apart before autoclaving (Lancet, 1955 ; Darmady & Hughes, 1955). In order to overcome this difficulty it has been recommended (War Office, 1956) that syringes should be assembled wet to promote the production of steam throughout the syringe during autoclaving. This paper reports investigations into the problems of the preparation of syringes for sterilization and also includes a few observations on indicators of autoclave efficiency.