The Factors Influencing Sterilisation by Low Pressure Steam

Variations in the times to reach steam temperature by surgeons' gowns within a steam steriliser with air elimination by downward displacement and evacuation have been examined. Using surgeons' gowns equilibrated with normal atmospheric conditions, about 60 to 70 per cent relative humidity, the times taken for the gowns to attain steam temperature were variable, whichever method of air removal was employed. Gowns dried at 50° rapidly attained steam temperature and then superheated to a considerable degree. The superheat was maintained for long periods.