Reference Manual - IARC Screening Group

Technical Overview of the Cryotherapy SystemNote: The cryotip can be sterilized using an autoclave, but the plasticsleeve cannot. Never put the plastic sleeve in an autoclave.Note: If desired, the cryotip can be reattached to the probe and bothcan be high-level disinfected using chemicals.• After the cryotip and plastic sleeve have been high-level disinfected(and rinsed, if appropriate) or sterilized, allow them to air-dry.• Remove the rubber stopper from the cryotip. Ensure that the inside ofthe shaft on the cryotip is completely dry before placing the plasticsleeve on the cryotip and reattaching the cryotip to the probe.STORAGEDuring clinic hours, the cryotherapy system should remain connected tothe gas cylinder. At the end of the day, they should be disconnected andstored according to the following guidelines:• Place the cryotherapy system in its cardboard carrying case (i.e., itsoriginal packaging). When the cryotip is not attached to the probe ofthe cryotherapy unit, the plastic protector tube should be placed onthe thin metal tube at the end of the probe (Figure D-9).• Store gas cylinders in an upright position at the location where thesystem is used. Gas cylinders are very heavy and can cause injury ifthey fall and strike someone. To prevent possible injuries, do notmove the gas cylinders except when necessary. Keep them locked ona cart built specifically for this purpose or chained to the wall (FigureD-11).• Store gas cylinders and the cryotherapy system at room temperature(i.e., between 20–30ºC [68–86ºF]) and away from sunlight and otherheat sources (e.g., radiators, furnaces).• Heat increases the pressure of the gas in the cylinder. Thispressure can, in turn, damage the cryotherapy unit or break therupture disk in the safety valve, causing the system to stopworking.• Cold temperatures increase the amount of time and energyrequired by the system to “thaw” during a procedure.D-8 Cervical Cancer Prevention Guidelines for Low-Resource Settings