An intensive review of the processes involved in point-of-use treatment, and the important role that it serves.

Understanding how formulations work can help in proper selection and reinforce the need to follow the product’s instructions for use.

It is safe to say that Sterile Processing departments around the world have quickly evolved to one of the most complex departments in our healthcare arena.

If you were to read about one John Herbertston Bowie or one James Dick, most of us would never connect their names to steam sterilization.

The right cleaning chemistry is critical for successful endoscope cleaning. However, not all chemistries are equal.

Biological indicators (BIs) are an important part of a quality control system for hospital sterilization processes.

Starting a new job is stressful. Learning thousands of instruments and thoroughly cleaning and preparing each for patient use can be overwhelming. Before jumping in to learn all the details, the Clinical Education veterans at STERIS have some pointers for the Sterile Processing Technicians just starting out.

Steam sterilization is a wet process, but it doesn’t have to lead to wet packs.

Most healthcare facilities are familiar with terminal sterilization and IUSS. However, the newer Short Cycle defies previous categories.

Surgical instruments and other reusable devices can be washed and disinfected prior to sterilization in an automated washer disinfector. The use of automated equipment helps standardize the cleaning process, providing optimal cleaning and improving patient safety. These types of equipment are subject to maintenance and repairs, and this article aims to present critical operational assessments to be performed by the end-user after maintenance, before release for use.

Using the right rack; choosing the right cycle; and servicing the washer-disinfector are critical to the success of cleaning.

Considering water as an essential element, its use occurs in several stages of processing: displacement of dirt through spraying in thermo-disinfecting washers and cavitation in ultrasonic washers, dilution of cleaning solutions, and in rinsing of medical devices.

AAMI recently published a new edition, ST79:2017,² and this self-study article reviews some of the new information and key changes in the revised document.

Understanding when to use disposable and reusable items in sterile processing applications.