Integrated Maternal and Newborn Care Basic Skills Course ...

Reference Manual
The materials needed for HLD include:
• a pot with a lid
• a clock or timer
• a steamer used for HLD
• disinfectant
• boiled water
Three methods of high-level disinfection are described below:
Boiling:
• Immerse items fully in water, cover with a lid, and boil for 20 minutes (sufficient up to a
height of 5500 meters/18,000 feet).
• Start timing when the water begins to boil. Do not add anything to the pot after timing
begins.
• Drain off the water and keep covered before use or storage. Store for one week
maximum.
Steaming:
• Steam instruments, gloves, and other items on the steaming tray for 20 minutes.
• Be sure there is enough water in the bottom pan for the entire steam cycle.
• Bring water to a rolling boil. Start timing when the steam begins to come out from under
the lid. Do not add anything to the pan after timing starts.
• Drain off the water and store in covered steamer pans. Store for one week maximum.
Chemical HLD:
• Sterilants used include 2.65% glutaraldehyde and hypochlorite/chlorine preparations
noted below in this chapter.
• Cover all items completely with disinfectant.
• Soak for 20 minutes.
• Rinse with boiled water.
• Air-dry before use and storage.
3B. Sterilization kills all germs, including endospores, but is not possible in all settings.
The materials required are:
• an autoclave
• an oven
• chemical or mechanical indicators
• chemical products (e.g., glutaraldehyde)
• wraps/drums for autoclaving
• an autoclave tape
• sterile pickups
• a clock or timer
Sterilization can be done by dry (oven) or wet heat (autoclave), depending on the materials and
supplies to be sterilized. For example, glass items can be kept in the hot air oven, but some
items, such as those made of rubber and cloth, need to be autoclaved.
Integrated maternal and newborn care
Basic skills course
15