Steps of Steaming Gloves and MVA Cannulae

Step 1
Decontaminate and clean items.

Step 2
Place water in the bottom tray (the tray without holes).

Step 3
Place cannulae in the trays that have holes in them or fold back the cuffs of gloves in pairs and place the gloves in the trays that have holes. The number of gloves that will fit in each tray depends on the size of the tray (usually 5-15 pairs). If more than one layer of gloves is being steamed, loosely layer the gloves in a criss-cross design. Gloves should not be packed tightly in the trays.

Step 4
Stack the tray(s) of gloves or cannulae on top of the bottom tray.

Step 5
Place the lid on the top tray and bring the water to a boil. When steam comes out between the trays, the water is boiling. Reduce the heat, but maintain the water at a rolling boil (steam should continue to come out between the trays). High heat wastes fuel and causes the water to evaporate more quickly.

Step 6
Steam the items for 20 minutes. Use a timer or make sure to record the time.

Step 7
Remove each tray, shake off the excess water, and place the tray(s) on a second tray that does not have holes or contain water (a second bottom tray). Do not place the tray containing the HLD items directly on the countertop, since this may contaminate them through the holes in the bottom of the tray.

Step 8
Use or store the cannulae properly. Use the gloves immediately or allow them to dry for 4-6 hours (drying may be much longer in areas of high humidity).

Step 9
Store the items in a covered HLD tray or put them in a HLD container and use within one week.

Note: An HLD tray or container can be prepared by boiling it for 20 minutes or by filling it with a 0.5% chlorine solution and letting it soak for 20 minutes, then draining the chlorine solution and rinsing thoroughly.