Abstract: A flash sterilization container (10) comprises a pan (12) forming the bottom of the container holding a tray (14), with a cover (16) forming the top of the container, and a filter element (20). Items to be sterilized are placed on the tray (14) and the cover (16) is attached and sealed to the pan (12). The sealed container is then placed in an autoclave or other source of pressurized steam. Items which require “stat” sterilization can be placed in a basket (80) with a plurality of vent holes (83) which further limits the amount, and therefore the whole mass, of the instruments placed into the container for sterilization and significantly decreases the time required for sterilization. The filter (20) allows the steam to enter the interior of the container and sterilize any items contained therein.

Abstract: A sterilizable silicone mat (10) includes a repeating S shaped rib structure (38) on the bottom surface (28) that aligns the mat (10) with steam apertures (20) in a support tray (12) and facilitates maximum steam penetration and optimum water drainage while reducing condensate. The mat body (26) includes a top surface (24) and a bottom surface (28) and a plurality of steam penetration holes or apertures (40). Each steam penetration hole (40) is surrounded by four instrument supporting finger-like structures (30) located on the top surface (24) of the mat (10). The four fingers (30) that surround each steam penetration hole (40) are located at 90 degrees with respect to each other. A plurality of S shaped rib structures (38) are located on the bottom surface (28) of the mat (10). Each S shaped rib (38) separates two adjacent steam holes (46) and includes a nub (42) at the distal ends of each S shaped rib (38) for engaging some of the steam penetration holes (20) in the bottom (18) of the tray (12).