There are 2 different types of this : Desinfection and Sterilization. The first removes most harmful bacteria, the second kills all. You have probatly heard about boiling as a method of sterilizing instruments. But boiling does not really work. A pressure cooker creates the same kind of conditions as a medical autoclave. It's pretty good, because the steam is hotter than the boiling water. So, if you do not have a pressure cooker, you can place the instruments above a pot of boiling water. Just make sure they're in the steam. You can add a chemical desinfectant to ensure better success. Wash all items first; open scissors, foreceps, needleholders etc. Get off crusted blood. Do not try this with single-use blades or similar items. You cannot use this on plastic items. Wash plastic items in chemical desinfectant or use bleach in a pinch. Whenever possible use all instruments only on yourself, this greatly minimizes the risk of viral infection.
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