STERILISATION OF SUTURE MATERIAL, ETC. 



85 



1000 solution ot pertTianganate of potash, washed in boiled water, and 

 afterwards placed in stron.i,' carbolic solution, where they should remain 

 for at least two to three weeks before use. Immediately before use 

 they are washed in boiled water, to remove the excess of carbplic with 

 which the}- are saturated. At the present time sponges have generally 

 been given up, and com- 

 presses of gauze or sponge 

 tissue sterilised in the 

 autoclave, and tampons o^ 

 absorbent wool or turf 

 tissue are preferred. Many 

 veterinar}-' surgeons still use 

 tow. This is unsuitable un- 

 less it has been thoroughly 



Fk 



-Steam steriliser for instruments f,packed 

 for transport). 



cleansed and sterilised by heat or by immersion in a boiling antiseptic 

 solution. When used the method generally adopted is to plunge the 

 tow for five minutes into boiling water or into a boiling soda solution. 



Silk thread is sterilised by immersion for half an hour in boiling 

 water, or by exposure to a temperature of 220° to 230'^ F. in the autoclave. 

 Immersion for a quarter of 



an hour in strong carbolic 

 solution is also sufficient. 

 It is preserved in glass 

 holders (see Figs. 85 — 88) 

 in 5 per cent, carbolic solu- 

 tion, or in I in 1000 subli- 

 mate solution. 



Catgut is deprived of 

 adherent fat by immersion 

 in ether, and after drying is 

 wound on bobbins. These 

 can be sterilised b\- dr\' 

 heat, and preserved in a 

 strong sublimate or car- 

 bolic solution or in boiled 

 olive oil. 



Silkworm li^jature is 



Fu.. S4. 



-Steam steriliser lor instruments 

 (open in use). 



treated with ether boiled for half an hour in water, and then placed in 

 tubes containing 2 per 1000 solution of sublimate. 



Paraffined thread is prepared by immersing hemp thread, previously' 

 saturated with ether or oil of turpentine, in melted paraffin. To 

 remove an}- stiffness it may be passed through a cloth before use 



