What is an important consideration when loading a steam sterilizer?

When loading a steam sterilizer, an important consideration is to tilt basin sets on their edge to allow airflow. This practice is crucial because proper air removal and steam penetration are essential for effective sterilization. When items are laid flat or tightly packed together, it can impede the movement of steam, leading to inadequate sterilization due to trapped air or lack of exposure to steam.

Tilting basin sets increases the surface area for steam exposure and facilitates better circulation, ensuring that the steam can reach all parts of the items being sterilized. Additionally, this method helps prevent condensation from forming in the containers, which could lead to wet packs—a state that compromises sterility.

In contrast, placing basin sets flat or tightly together can create barriers to steam flow, which may result in incomplete sterilization. Thus, ensuring that basin sets are oriented correctly is a critical step in maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the steam sterilization process.