Do not overload tabletop sterilizers Photos courtesy Rick Schultz Generally, three to four packs of instruments are the maximum number to put in a tabletop sterilizer. However, check with your autoclave manufacturer to ensure you are working within its capacity. When sterilizing peel pouches, they should be on their side, and not laying flat. The paper side of the first pouch should face the plastic side of the next pouch and so on. This allows for proper steam flow critical to sterilization. Be sure to use the rack provided by the manufacturer.
