When preparing cannulated instruments for steam sterilization, the instrument lumen should be?

For steam sterilization of cannulated instruments, the correct approach is to ensure that the instrument lumen is dry when using dynamic air removal methods, while it should be wet for gravity displacement methods.

Dynamic air removal sterilizers utilize a vacuum system to remove air from the chamber, and having dry lumen helps facilitate effective steam penetration and ensures that all surfaces within the instrument are adequately sterilized. If the lumen is wet in a dynamic air removal cycle, it may lead to condensation that can hinder proper sterilization.

On the other hand, gravity displacement sterilizers rely on the weight of the steam to push air out of the sterilization chamber. In this method, having the lumen wet helps as it allows steam to better fill the entire space and ensures that the surfaces within the cannulated instruments have direct contact with the steam, which is crucial for effective sterilization.

Therefore, recognizing the requirements specific to each sterilization type is essential for successful instrument preparation and infection control in surgical settings.