The Sterilization Area is a designated
area of a health-care facility designed to house sterilization
equipment, such as steam ethylene oxide, hydrogen peroxide gas
plasma, or ozone sterilizers. It is one of the three areas
discussed below, critical to proper infection control.
Sterilization Area Guidelines:
The central processing area(s) ideally
should be divided into at least three areas: decontamination,
packaging, and sterilization and storage. Physical barriers should
separate the decontamination area from the other sections to contain
contamination on used items. In the decontamination area, reusable
contaminated supplies (and possibly disposable items that are
reused) are received, sorted, and decontaminated. The recommended
airflow pattern should contain contaminates within the
decontamination area and minimize the flow of contaminates to the
clean areas. The American Institute of Architects recommends
negative pressure and no fewer than six air exchanges per hour in
the decontamination area (AAMI recommends 10 air changes per hour)
and 10 air changes per hour with positive pressure in the sterilizer
equipment room. The packaging area is for inspecting, assembling,
and packaging clean, but not sterile, material. The sterile storage
area should be a limited access area with a controlled temperature
(may be as high as 75°F) and relative humidity (30-60% in all works
areas except sterile storage, where the relative humidity should not
exceed 70%). The floors and walls should be constructed of
materials capable of withstanding chemical agents used for cleaning
or disinfecting. Ceilings and wall surfaces should be constructed
of non-shedding materials. See the complete recommendations on
sterilizer and disinfection at www.cdc.gov
“Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare
Facilities, 2008”.
ATS, Inc. provides sterility assurance products – see
Supplies.
DID YOU KNOW?
§
Autoclave Testing Service, Inc. is one of the first companies
nationwide to offer a
Mail-In sterilizer
monitoring service using biological indicators. Serving the
healthcare industry throughout the United States and Canada since
1986, we have thousands of satisfied customers.
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We have on-line test results
allowing you to access your results at your convenience! Your
Sterilizer Test Report (STR) is posted
on-line upon completion of
culturing, offering minimum turn-around time.
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We have 24-hour test results for Steam sterilizers!
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We have a comprehensive Glossary of Terms related to the sterile
processing area (scroll below to view the Glossary). This is
invaluable information, assisting you with this important area of
your facility.
ATS, Inc. now
stocks sterilization pouches, sterilizer cleaners, chemical
indicator products, sterilizers (new and used), ultrasonic cleaners,
water distillers, and more! (see
Supplies).
In-Office and Mail-To-Lab Testing!
Verify the sterilization process of all steam
sterilizers which include Statim, Midmark,
Tuttnauer, Lisa, Mocom and Pelton & Crane
sterilizers.
Bowie-Dick Test
Packs should be used daily to evaluate the
performance of air-removal (vacuum) system of
dynamic pre-vacuum type sterilizers. Available
as test cards or preassembled test packs.
Internal CI’s should be used within
each pouch or package, tray, or container. Class 5
Integrators should be used in conjunction with
physical monitoring and biological indicator
testing for verifying the efficacy of a
sterilization system. (See AAMI ST79:2006)
Recordkeeping is a must for all
sterile processing departments. This ensures
accountability and allows operators to trace
errors to their source. Tips on sterilizer
maintenance and technical advice are included with
each book.
