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What This Guide Helps With
Use this guide when processed loads remain unexpectedly wet or otherwise show poor post-cycle results related to loading, drainage, steam, or drying.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
1. Protect Patient Care and Load Integrity
Do not release a load when its post-cycle condition does not meet facility requirements. Follow Sterile Processing policy for wet or otherwise unacceptable loads.
Expected outcome: Questionable loads are controlled and are not distributed for patient use.
2. Confirm the Exact Result
Determine whether wetness affects the entire load, certain trays, particular packaging, the chamber, or only specific load positions.
Identify the cycle used and whether the cycle completed without alarms.
Expected outcome: The problem is characterized by location, load type, and cycle rather than assumed to be a sterilizer failure.
3. Inspect Load Configuration
Verify racks, trays, containers, and packaged items were loaded according to approved practices and were not overcrowded or positioned in a way that traps condensate.
Expected outcome: The load is arranged to allow normal steam contact, drainage, and drying. If correcting loading practice resolves the issue, troubleshooting can stop after verification.
4. Inspect Chamber Drainage
When safe, inspect accessible drain screens and chamber surfaces for debris or standing water.
Expected outcome: Drainage areas are clear and the chamber does not retain abnormal water. If debris is removed and drying returns to normal, verify with another approved cycle.
5. Verify Facility Steam Conditions
Check for any known facility steam issues or similar complaints from other steam equipment. Coordinate steam-quality concerns with Facilities.
Expected outcome: No obvious infrastructure problem is affecting the sterilizer. If an external steam issue is corrected, repeat an appropriate cycle and verify the load condition.
6. Check Door Sealing
Inspect the accessible gasket and sealing area for debris or visible damage that could affect chamber conditions.
Expected outcome: The door seals normally without visible external defects.
7. Verify Cycle Selection
Confirm the cycle used was appropriate for the approved load and that no unintended setting was selected.
Do not extend or alter validated sterilization parameters simply to compensate for wet loads.
Expected outcome: The appropriate approved cycle is being used.
8. Compare With a Controlled Test Load
When appropriate, use a representative approved test load or comparison load to determine whether the issue follows a specific load configuration or remains with the sterilizer.
Expected outcome: The problem is isolated to loading practices or reproduced as a device-level condition.
9. Escalate Persistent Poor Results
If loading, drainage, cycle selection, door sealing, and external steam conditions are normal but wet loads persist, remove the sterilizer from service for evaluation.
Expected outcome: A repeatable process-performance issue is not allowed to continue affecting clinical loads.
If the Problem Persists
Common external causes have been ruled out. Remaining possibilities may involve internal steam quality or control, vacuum performance, drainage components, heating or drying functions, sensors, or other service-level process controls.
The sterilizer should be:
- Removed from service.
- Labeled Out of Service.
- Sent for qualified service evaluation.
- Evaluated using appropriate manufacturer documentation and approved test equipment.
- Repaired or configured only by qualified personnel.
- Required to pass applicable process and drying verification before return to service.
Knowing when poor process results require escalation is proper troubleshooting.
Clinical Use Tip
Wet packs or otherwise unacceptable loads should be handled according to Sterile Processing policy rather than assumed usable because the cycle completed.
Work Order Documentation (CCR Method)
CCR = Complaint, Cause, Resolution
Complaint
What was reported by the clinical staff.
Example:
"Sterile Processing reported loads from the Getinge GSS67H were completing the cycle but several trays remained wet."
Cause
What was observed during troubleshooting.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering found the chamber drain screen partially blocked with debris, resulting in retained condensate."
Resolution
What action was taken.
Example:
"Clinical Engineering cleared the accessible drain screen, verified normal drainage, completed an approved test cycle, and confirmed acceptable load condition."
Helpful Details to Include (If Known)
- Entire load or specific items affected
- Cycle used
- Load configuration
- Packaging or container type
- Chamber standing water
- Drain condition
- Door-seal condition
- Facility steam concerns
- Comparison-load results
- Final cycle result
- Final device status
Final Thought
Poor post-cycle results should be approached as a process problem first: check loading, drainage, cycle selection, sealing, and utilities before assuming an internal failure. Verify an acceptable load before returning the sterilizer to normal use.
That is successful troubleshooting.