At what point are wrapped items considered sterile after autoclaving?

Items wrapped for sterilization in an autoclave are considered sterile after they have cooled to room temperature following the sterilization process. The rationale behind this is that during the cooling phase, especially before they reach room temperature, the items might still be vulnerable and not maintain their sterility, as moisture can compromise the sterility of the wrapped items. Once cooled, any potential for moisture to create a pathway for microorganisms is minimal, and the integrity of the sterility is better preserved.

Reaching the recommended temperature is necessary for effective sterilization, but it does not mean the items are sterile right away; the process requires adequate time at that temperature as well. Items removed from the autoclave could still be in a moist environment, which can lead to the risk of contamination unless they are properly cooled and dried. Thus, items are considered sterile only once they are at room temperature and their packaging remains intact, maintaining the sterility achieved during the autoclaving process.