Knowledge Center | Sterile Processing

Expanding Sterilization Options for Medical Devices

Sterilization renders a medical device free from viable microorganisms to help prevent the transmission of harmful organisms to patients and help reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAI). According to the United States Food & Drug Association (FDA)... Read More

Managing a Water Crisis in Sterile Processing

Sterile processing professionals are tasked with managing hundreds of instruments daily, staff shortages, and so much more. Policies and procedures are often in place for common occurrences, such as a failed quality test, but one thing a department manager may not be prepared for... Read More

SPD Staffing & Training: Critical To An Effective Sterile Processing Program

Effective sterilization of surgical instruments and devices is critical. The Sterile Processing Department (SPD) technicians' primary role is to clean, sterilize, store, and track surgical instruments and devices used in medical procedures. Improperly processed surgical instruments can impact patients' safety... Read More

What is Offsite Reprocessing

The Sterile Processing Department (SPD) is a highly critical department at a healthcare facility. The SPD is responsible for cleaning, decontaminating, sterilizing, and preparing surgical instruments for the Operating Room (OR). Many SPDs face challenges daily, from influxes in surgical case volumes and staffing shortages... Read More

Capital Budgeting in Sterile Processing

Gaining approval for capital improvement projects in hospital sterile processing departments (SPD) can be challenging. It is important for Department Managers to focus on highlighting the benefits this capital investment will have... Read More

Importance of Leak Tests in Steam Sterilization

Medical steam sterilizers, or autoclaves, remove air from a chamber and replace it with moist heat steam for a certain amount of time, inactivating and destroying microorganisms at a cellular level...¹ Read More

Bowie-Dick Tests and Troubleshooting Guide

Bowie-Dick (Air-Removal) tests evaluate the performance of prevacuum sterilizers by confirming adequate air removal from the sterilizer chamber. These air removal tests have been improved over the years, but you may be wondering...

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Endoscope Drying and Storage Cabinet Guidelines

Endoscopes are complex instruments with long, narrow channels that can be difficult to clean and prepare for next procedure. Helping prevent patient infections requires endoscope reprocessing after each use, following a process outlined by the device's instructions for use... Read More

Guide to Reprocessing Robotic Surgery Instruments

Robotic surgery, also called robot-assisted surgery (RAS), is performed using small devices attached to a larger robotic arm. These delicate and complex surgical instruments allow for smaller incisions, better vision, and... Read More

Guide to Sterilization of Flexible Endoscopes in Healthcare

Flexible endoscopes in healthcare are used in various medical procedures to diagnose and treat conditions such as reflux, ulcers, polyps, and other intestinal diseases... Read More

Guide to Ultrasonic Cleaning of Medical Devices: How Ultrasonics Work and More

Ultrasonic cleaners in hospitals provide an automated cleaning process for surgical instruments and support compliance with the manufacturer's instructions for use (IFUs) of those instruments. Many complex instruments have... Read More

Water Quality Medical Device Processing

Water is used to clean, disinfect, and sterilize millions of medical devices daily. Tap water isn't sufficient for all device processing steps. Quality water for processing instruments improves cleaning chemistry effectiveness, reduces corrosion/damage, and improves steam quality for sterilization... Read More

Rapid-Read Biological Indicators

Rapid-read biological indicators (BIs) can improve productivity in the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) by keeping the process moving - especially when departments implement standardization and monitor every load. By enabling the release of the loads faster, a 20-minute rapid-read BI... Read More

What is a Medical Washer Disinfector?

A Medical Washer/Disinfector are a medical device used for automated cleaning of surgical instruments and work by combining impingement, water temperature, and detergent to clean heat-resistant and heat-sensitive devices... Read More

What is Endoscope Reprocessing?

Endoscope processing is the process of cleaning and disinfecting reusable endoscopes before patient use. Due to the complex, intricate design, flexible and semi-rigid endoscopes should be handled properly to prevent damage, and device instructions for use (IFU) should be followed or proper reprocessing... Read More

Comparing Options for Rapid Turn / Immediate Use Sterilization

Surgical procedures do not always go as planned. An instrument arrives in the operating room (OR) with a tear in the sterile packaging, or a unique instrument is dropped, and the procedure cannot continue without it. Mistakes happen, and undeniably there are instances where a device needs to be reprocessed faster than normal… Read More

Hidden Cost of your Aging Washer

Your current "old faithful" washer/disinfector in sterile processing has worked great for years, but is it costing you more and more each year... Read More

New Technologies in Steam Sterilization

It is no secret that steam sterilizers are the reliable work horse of the sterile processing department (SPD). With growing caseload volumes facing many facilities it is important to consider the advantages modern steam sterilizers provide your department to help it run at peak efficiency... Read More

Endoscopy Reprocessing Standards are Evolving

Endoscopy procedures are some of the fastest-growing medical procedures in the world. More than 250 million endoscopies are performed each year globally, with this number continuing to grow year over year¹. With that, standards and regulations are constantly evolving... Read More

Guide to High-Level Disinfection of Endoscopy Devices

High-level disinfection, also known as HLD, is the complete elimination of all microorganisms in or on an instrument, except for small numbers of bacterial spores.¹ The FDA further defines a high-level disinfectant as a sterilant used for... Read More

Water quality for cleaning medical devices

Guide to Optimal Steam Generation

All types of steam can provide effective sterilization, but healthcare facilities have choices and should understand the different types of steam generation available. Everyone wants to minimize the occurrence of wet packs, instrument staining, chamber scale/rouge, rouge and other associated challenges, but all of these which depend upon your the quality of... Read More

Selecting the Right Ultrasonic

Ultrasonic cleaning systems provide an automated solution for delicate or highly intricate medical devices. To perform ultrasonic cleaning, an ultrasonic washer uses a cleaning solution, cavitation, and.... Read More

Achieve 510(k) Clearance for Automated Cleaning Process for Select da Vinci Instruments

In 2018, FDA provided guidance around reprocessing instructions for reusable medical devices, which includes robotic surgical instruments. This FDA guidance outlined requirements for manufacturers... Read More

Key Considerations When Selecting a Washer Disinfector

There are several considerations when planning for a washer/disinfector purchase, and it begins with reviewing the devices that need to be processed in that washer/disinfector. What is your current instrument and rigid container inventory? How often does it need to be reprocessed... Read More

What is a Chemical Indicator?

Chemical Indicators (CIs), as defined by AAMI and ISO, are devices used to monitor the presence or attainment of one or more of the parameters required for a satisfactory sterilization process or used in a specific test of sterilization equipment. For example, when placed inside packs, CIs are used to confirm that sterilant achieved good penetration in the items being sterilized. CIs are used as...

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V-PRO beats STERRAD with a
1-2 Punch

In a head-to-head comparison of V-PRO vs. STERRAD, it's clear that V-PRO beats STERRAD with a one-two punch in both throughput and material compatibility. This winning combination allows... Read More

Benefits of Cleaning Verification for Medical Devices

Cleaning verification helps to confirm if residual protein and soils are still present on a tested medical device after a completed cleaning process. Proteins are found in blood, body tissue, mucous, organs and virtually everywhere in the human body. They are the most common procedural soils found on instruments... Read More

Container Processing at Ambulatory Surgery Centers

Ambulatory surgery center (ASC) caseloads are growing 6% to 7% each year¹ with orthopedic, cardio, and spine procedures growing the fastest. Combine that with ASC procedure costs that are 35% to 50% lower than at a hospital², the future becomes clear: ASCs will likely become a more popular choice for many...

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Today's SPD Guide to Washing and Decontamination Medical Equipment

Sterilization of medical devices started with the goal of reducing infections. Surgeons were often responsible for the cleaning and sterilization of their own surgical instruments and instruments were sterilized in the Operating Theater. In 1928, the American College of Surgeons realized that this was not the safest... Read More

Benefits of Instrument Tracking Software

Instrument tracking software has evolved over time, from early basic applications letting Technicians identify the sterile status of a set and its location, to the newer, more sophisticated programs that help Sterile Processing Department (SPD) professionals manage different aspects of their instrument processing workflow. With increased caseloads... Read More

How to Track Loaner Surgical Instrument Trays

Loaner surgical instruments are unavoidable and offer healthcare facilities access to a wider variety of instruments and surgical devices. Loaner trays are often needed for specialized procedures... Read More

Guide to Sterilization Pouches in Sterile Processing

A sterilization pouch, also known as a peel pack, is a disposable package specifically designed to be used in a sterilizer to allow penetration of the sterilant to the items placed inside. After sterilization, these Class II Medical Devices maintain sterility of the processed item. Sterilization pouches require... Read More

Improve Steam Sterilizer Load Drying: Stop Cracking the Sterilizer Door

Cracking the door at the end of a steam sterilization cycle goes back to the days of gravity-only sterilization cycles when woven cotton muslin wraps with good absorption properties were commonly used to wrap instrument sets. With the reduced likelihood of external water... Read More

Healthcare Sustainability

Sterile Processing Departments (SPDs) play a critical role in positive patient outcomes and staff safety. Each day, sterile processing professionals are tasked with safely and efficiently processing surgical instruments and medical devices. But how sustainable is the sterile processing... Read More

Surgical Instrument Cleaning Chemistries

Cleaning, which refers to the removal of soil from a medical device or instrument, is a critical step when processing instruments in the sterile processing department (SPD). As the name implies, instrument cleaning chemistries are solutions specifically formulated to aid in the removal of organic and inorganic soils from medical instruments and other devices used during patient procedures... Read More

Guide to Gravity IUSS Cycle Monitoring

Routine monitoring of steam sterilizers with biological indicators (BIs) applies to all types of cycles performed in autoclaves – including immediate use steam sterilization (IUSS) cycles. Previously referred to as "flash sterilization," these... Read More

Guide to Stainless Steel Corrosion Removal

Sterile Processing Departments (SPDs) inevitably must deal with stainless steel corrosion, also called rouge. Corrosion on steam sterilizers is caused by a chemical reaction between moisture and stainless steel. While corrosion is often an issue many know little about, it is important to... Read More

Instrument Cleaning Brushes

Using the right tool for the job is important and one of the keys to effective cleaning is having the right instrument cleaning brush. This article will review how to choose the correct...
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Sterility assurance monitoring is a vital component of overall quality assurance protocol

What is Sterility Assurance Monitoring?

Sterility assurance monitoring is a vital component of your overall quality assurance protocol. Sterility assurance products such as Biological Indicators (BI) and Chemical Indicators (CI) give you the confidence that the sterilizer in use is functioning properly and cycle conditions are adequate to produce medical devices and... Read More

Sterilant for the V-PRO Low Temperature Sterilization System

4 Steps to Make the Switch to V-PRO

You’ve made the decision to change from one low temperature sterilizer to another after considering multiple factors and finding the ideal solution for your Sterile Processing Department (SPD)... Read More

SYSTEM 1 endo Liquid Chemical Sterilant Processing System

Liquid Chemical Sterilization

Liquid Chemical Sterilization (LCS) is used to sterilize heat-sensitive, immersible medical devices. When a device is liquid chemically sterilized, it is completely immersed in a sterilant solution for a prescribed period of time at a controlled temperature and concentration of active solution. Validation of efficacy requires demonstration of... Read More

What if One Chemical Indicator Fails?

Everything was done as expected – the devices went through decontamination, completed a successful washer and thermal disinfection cycle, and were inspected, prepared and packaged successfully following all steps outlined in the instrument tracking software... Read More

Packing instruments for VHP sterilization

Guide to VHP Low Temperature Sterilization

Tasks performed prior to sterilization influence the success of any sterilization process. Key steps taken during decontamination, preparation and packaging... Read More

The Role of Chemical Indicators in Load Release

Chemical indicators (or CIs) are a necessary part of any healthcare facility's sterility assurance program. Since the introduction of the Bowie and Dick Test in 1969, the use of chemical indicators has expanded to cover a wide range of sterilization and high-level disinfection monitoring applications... Read More

How to Monitor Extended Steam Sterilization Cycles

Extended cycles are specific to steam sterilization where the exposure or dry times of a standard sterilizer cycle (i.e. 270°F for 4 minutes) have been adjusted. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) defines extended cycles as “any sterilization cycle that includes specifications that deviate from... Read More

How to Evaluate VHP Sterilizers for Your Facility

When considering options for vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) sterilizers, it's important to understand the differences between available systems... Read More

Biological Indicator Test Pack Placement

Biological Indicators

What are Biological Indicators?

Biological indicators (BIs), as defined by ANSI/AAMI and ISO, are test systems containing viable microorganisms providing a defined resistance to a specific sterilization process. A biological indicator provides information on whether necessary conditions were met to kill...

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Positive BI Troubleshooting Checklist

Wondering what to do after a failed biological indicator test? Learn what to do after a positive BI and steps to follow to troubleshoot any issues in this STERIS Knowledge Center article. Read More

The Cost of Not Monitoring Every Load

Learn why one facility switched to every load monitoring in both STEAM and VHP sterilizers. Discover how load recalls impact the Sterile Processing Department as well as operating rooms costs associated with any downtime. Read More

Everything About Autoclaves

What is an autoclave?

Autoclaves are also known as steam sterilizers, and are typically used for healthcare or industrial applications. An autoclave is a machine that uses steam under pressure to kill harmful bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores on items that are placed inside a pressure vessel. The items are heated to an appropriate sterilization temperature for a given amount of time. The moisture in the steam efficiently transfers heat...

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Guide to Steam Sterilization Cycles - Steam Flush Pressure Pulse

There are three types of steam sterilization cycles recognized by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). They are gravity, prevacuum and steam flush pressure pulse (SFPP). These cycles differ in the way air is removed from the load during conditioning and may have different exposure times depending on the type of...

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Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization

What is Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization?

Hydrogen peroxide sterilization is a low temperature sterilization process commonly used in the application of sterilizing medical devices, often used to sterilize heat-sensitive devices. A hydrogen peroxide sterilization cycle typically requires less time than alternative forms of sterilization, such as steam sterilization. A hydrogen peroxide sterilization process involves...

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Steam Sterilization for Medical Equipment

Benefits of Steam Sterilization

Steam sterilization has many benefits as a sterilization method in healthcare facilities including low cost, safety, and efficacy. When processing heat and moisture stable materials...

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What is Sterile Processing

sterile processing department

The Sterile Processing Department (SPD), also known as the Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD), is the area in a hospital where cleaning and sterilization of devices used in medical procedures takes place. The processes an instrument goes through....

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What is an Enzymatic Cleaner

An enzymatic cleaner is used in healthcare facilities to aid in the cleaning and decontamination of medical devices and other medical equipment and utensils. Enzymatic cleaners used in the Endoscopy and Sterile Processing Departments may be better known as enzymatic detergents, because they contain surfactants designed to...

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