RapidHeat sterilizers have pre-set sterilization cycles ranging from six minutes to twenty-one minutes depending on load configuration, packing configuration, and load size. These short sterilization cycle times and and no drying requirement makes HVHA technology an excellent choice to replace “Immediate-Use steam sterilization.” RapidHeat Sterilizer cycles do not fall under healthcare’s definition of “immediate-use” which is a standard term used for short-cutting the drying time needed in steam sterilization. An “Immediate-Use” steam sterilization cycle is used by staff when an instrument or instrument set has an emergency need to be turned around as quickly as possible. If there is improper drying, subsequent cooling will cause any moisture to condense and packaged instruments to remain wet, increasing the potential for instrument corrosion. Moisture degrades the ability of the packaging to maintain sterility. Failure to dry instruments after steam sterilization violates CDC’s recommendations that state “instrument packs should be allowed to dry inside the sterilizer chamber before removing and handling. Packs should not be touched until they are cool and dry because hot packs act as wicks, absorbing moisture, and hence, bacteria from hands.”