Q: I want to know whether I can sterilise the cotton gauze, forceps, etc at home for dressing the wound, presently I am of the opinion that pressure cooker sterilisation, keeping the pressure maximum for 30 min in an open or closed steel box will be sufficient. I want to know whether this is enough?

A:The suggested sterilisation technique of using a pressure cooker for 30 minutes would be adequate, if not perfect. The forceps could then be dipped in strong alcohol for 1-2 minutes. The added sterility would be adequate for a dressing change in any patient unless special additional precautions were needed, such as for a subject with immune deficiency.