Integra LifeSciences Sterilization Containers, Integra Miltex - Manual (Page 5)

miltex containers
Miltex Containers are designed to provide a more efficient organization and
utilization of surgical instruments for the operating room, surgi-center and
central supply. The functional containers are manufactured from an anodized
aircraft aluminum alloy to prevent corrosion. This aluminum alloy also has
high thermal conductivity for faster drying and is lighter than other metals to
make the Miltex Container easier to transport.
Pre-cleaninG
• Remove lid and basket with instruments from the Container.
• Remove the lid filter retention plate(s).
• Remove the bottom filter retention plate(s) if using perforated bottoms.
• Discard the disposable filter(s).
• Remove all indicators and disposable locks.
cleaninG
Do not use any abrasive products, material or stainless steel brushes to
clean the miltex containers. Abrasives can damage the aluminum surface
of the container and will void all manufacturer warranties. never expose
to bleach or other corrosive chemicals. Exposure to bleach may result in
pitting or damage to surface and will void all manufacturer warranties.
manual cleaning
• Use a soft sponge and a neutral pH (7) phosphate-free detergent such as
Miltex Surgical Instrument Cleaner (3-720, 3-725 and 3-726) to thoroughly
clean Miltex Container. Use distilled (demineralized) water (room
temperature) if possible.
• Rinse with water to remove the cleaning solution. Be sure to rinse thoroughly
to remove all detergent residues.
• Thoroughly dry. Store in clean and dry environment.
mechanical cleaning
• Place the container bottom face down (open side down) in the washer.
• Handles should be folded down.
• Thoroughly dry. Store in clean and dry environment.
assemBly for Use
Pre-assembly inspection and Preparation
• All components must be thoroughly dry before assembling.
• Select surgical instrument set for sterilization.
• Select appropriate size container and basket(s).
• Inspect the inside channel of the lid to ensure the silicone gasket is in good
condition. The gasket condition should be free from defects such as wear,
cracks, cuts, tears, bubbling, loose fit in the channel, and anything else
that might appear out of the ordinary. A defective gasket could indicate age
and/or deterioration and should not be used. Contact the Miltex service
and repair department for further assistance.
filter assembly
• Place one sheet of filter paper over each perforated section on the inside
of the container lid or bottom – making sure it is centered on the protruding
pin. When using filter paper with indicator, be sure the indicator faces
toward the inside of the container when the lid is in place and the indicator
is visible through the retention plate.
• Secure each filter with the retention plate by pressing onto the protruding
pin until you hear it click.
• Perforated bottoms: Place one sheet of the filter paper over the perforated
section in the bottom of container – making sure it is centered on the
protruding pin. Secure the filter with the retention plate by pressing onto the
protruding pin until you hear it click.
• Solid bottoms: There is no perforated section and does not require a filter or
retention plate.
note: The filters validated for use with the container are Miltex item number
3-5900-15. The paper filters are 190-mm (7.5-inches) in diameter and intended
for single-use only.
instrument and container assembly
• Place cleaned and dried instruments into the instrument basket(s)
according to established hospital procedures. Complex instruments
(e.g. air-powered instruments, endoscopes, and instruments with lumens
or channels) should be prepared and sterilized according to the instrument
manufacturer’s instructions. The containers have been validated for
sterilization of instruments with lumens up to 3 mm I.D. by 400 mm length,
for the Full (large) size container and up to 3mm I.D. by 200mm length for the
½ (small) and ¾ (medium) size containers.
caUtion: The containers are intended for use with non-porous materials
such as stainless steel surgical instruments.
• Small baskets, trays, and other types of accessories, especially with covers
and lids, should only be used with the sterilization container if the container
has been specifically designed and tested for that purpose.
caUtion: Non-absorbent tray liners (e.g., plastic/silicone-fingered organizing
mats) can cause condensate to pool. The use of these accessories within the
container has not been tested.
• Place instrument basket(s) into the prepared container bottom.
• Place lid onto the container bottom, aligning handles on bottom with latches
on lid.
• Simultaneously close both locking latches on the lid. Some downward
pressure is needed to lock the lid in place.
note: For effective sterilization and drying, the weight of the basket and basket
contents should not exceed the following:
• 16 lbs for 1/2 (small) size containers
• 20 lbs for 3/4 (medium) size containers
• 25 lbs for Full (large) size containers
• All instruments should be assembled to allow for uniform exposure
to sterilization agents.
caUtion: Leave minimum of one inch clearance for effective processing
Processing assembly
• Insert set indicator card(s) into the holding bracket(s) on the outside of the
container. A tab at one end of the indicator card will facilitate insertion
and removal.
• Insert the plastic tamper-proof seals into the locking channel on each end.
• Secure and lock.
note: Use of internal and external indicators should be in accordance with in-
house protocol, determined by the user.
note: The process indicators validated for use with containers are Miltex
item number 3-5930-00. These indicators are for use in ethylene oxide or steam
sterilizers.
loading the sterilizer
• The container should be placed flat/level for effective sterilization
and drying.
• The container should be positioned on the autoclave cart below wrapped
items for optimum sterilization and drying conditions.
• stacking: Only containers with perforated bottoms should be stacked
in High Vacuum (pre-vacuum) sterilizers; do not stack containers with solid
bottoms! Stacking should not exceed 18” in height for effective air removal
and adequate steam penetration.
miltex containers
Directions for Use – HiGH vacUUm (Pre-vacUUm) sterilizer ProcessinG
care & HanDlinG of tHe miltex container