Porous load and non porous load in Autoclave
This article provides information about porous load and non porous load and Mixed Loads.
Porous load and non porous load and Mixed Loads
What is mean by sterilization ?
Sterilization is a process that removes, kills, or deactivates all forms of life and other biological agents such as pathogens present in or on a specific surface, object, or fluid. Sterilization can be achieved through various methods, including heat, chemicals, irradiation, high pressure, and filtration.
Introduction about the porous load and Non Porous load and Mixed load
These all terminology used in sterilization of materials which are sterilizing in moist heat/ Steam sterilization method in autoclaves.
What is mean by Porous Load ?
Porous load contain items where sterilization is achieved through direct contact with saturated steam. Heat is transferred when steam condenses directly on the surface of the items being sterilized.
In other words it can be say that porous load means material which is going to sterilize have pores which allow things to flow through them more easily if an object is porous, it has a great ability to hold fluid within itself. Material like Sponges, rubber, Cloths are porous materials. It is very difficult to remove the air from porous load
Examples of Porous Load : Garment load, Rubber Bung bag Load, Seals Load.
What is mean by Non Porous Load ?
Material does not have pores and it’s structure is like solid like glass, metal, Plastic etc. is examples of Non porous materials
In another words it can be say Non-porous Load is, which have a much tighter cell structure preventing ease of flow. Something that is does not allow liquid or air to pass through it. this types of loads does not require that much efforts to remove the air from this load.
Examples of Non porous Load : Media is sterilizing by putting in ss air tight container, and that container is putting in Autoclave for sterilizing. Sanitizing SS vessels.
What is mean by Mix Load ?
In load pattern which is performing in autoclave porous load + Non porous Load called it as Mixed load. This can be performed to accommodate space in autoclave. Small size of equipment/Instruments so special loads can be avoided.
This type of loads can be taken due to load optimisation or specific product load.
Examples of Mix Load : With Garments + SS machine parts to be sterilize which is of closed condition.
Why this load patterns are differentiated ?
These all three load patterns are differentiated because, all three load patterns are different sterilization dynamics, Different air removal dynamics . Irrespective of any loads it is important that cycle should be designed during validation or Qualification studies in a such a way that it must be effective to sterilize the items effectively.
