Korean J Anesthesiol.  1978 Dec;11(4):377-380.

The Effect of Repeated Autoclaving on pH of the Local Anesthetics

• Kim CK
• Chon SU

Abstract

Autoclaving the local anesthetic ampuls has been suggested as a safer method of sterilization. However the method and time necessary to sterilize the ampul has not been standardizzed, and the amount of deterioration of anesthetic agents by this method is unknown, and the effect of injection of the caramelized dextrose has not been determined. If ampuls are autoclaved with the spinal tray or set up, the ampuls are subjected to sterilization for a prolonged time which in turn causes caramelization of dextrose and possible deterioration. We have studied the effect of multiple autoclavings on pH of the drugs whichart used in spinal anesthesia, 1% tetracaine, 10% dextrose, 2% xylocaine and epinephrine at 134C, 36 psi for 5 minutes. Statistieal significance of the pH changes were observed by multiple autoclavings.

MeSH Terms

Anesthesia, Spinal
Anesthetics
Anesthetics, Local*
Epinephrine
Glucose
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration*
Lidocaine
Methods
Sterilization
Tetracaine
Anesthetics
Anesthetics, Local
Epinephrine
Glucose
Lidocaine
Tetracaine