Figure 10-10. - Gravity displacement steam sterilizer.

Navy prevacuum sterilizers will be tested daily using the Bowie-Dick type test.

Level One Maintenance

The interior of the steam sterilizer should be cleaned each day before being heated. This simple procedure can easily be accomplished by using a mild detergent to wash the surfaces. Follow the wash with a thorough rinse of plain water. Unless this is done, the chamber walls will collect mineral deposits and may become greasy. Do not use wire brushes, steel wool, or any type of abrasive cleaning compounds on the sterilizer. The manufacturer's directions must be followed to maintain a properly functioning sterilizer. If the sterilizer does not appear to function properly, dental equipment repair personnel should check it at once. Sterilizers should be spot checked frequently for leaks in lines and improperly functioning gauges, dials, thermometers, doors, drain strainers, and valves.

Dry Heat Sterilization

The least expensive form of heat sterilization of instruments is dry heat. Destruction of micro-organisms by dry heat in a DTF is accomplished by using a unit that has been tested and approved by the FDA as a commercial sterilizer.