Buying guides for the medical sterilizer and autoclave

Sterilization is the implementation of a set of methods and means to eliminate all living microorganisms, of any nature and in any form whatsoever, on a perfectly cleaned object. This process is carried out using a sterilizer. It is necessary in order to prevent the contamination of patients and caregivers. In order for a medical device that has undergone terminal sterilization to be considered “sterile” the theoretical probability that a viable microorganism is present on the device must be almost zero.

When is it necessary to use a sterilizer?

Before installing a sterilizer and ensuring it will be used effectively, three main points must be considered: the organization, technical installations and staff training on the premises.

The organization of the premises:

-Hygiene: the premises must allow for compliance with procedures for hygiene, staff dress code and handwashing.

-Layout: arrangement and circulation procedures must prevent any risk of confusion between sterilized and non-sterilized medical devices.

-Surfaces: exposed surfaces must be smooth, impermeable, free of cracks and recesses to reduce the accumulation and release of particles and microorganisms.

-Maintenance: the premises must allow for the repeated use of cleaning and disinfection products.

-Intrusion: the premises must be equipped with a system to prevent the intrusion of animals (insects, rodents, etc.).

Technical installations:

-Air supply: the air supply must meet the current standards and have an air treatment system with the appropriate filters. It should be noted that the air pressure in the conditioning area must be higher than in other sectors.

-Water supply: the water supply must provide drinking quality water. The quality must be regularly assessed and monitored.

Staff training:

-Skill level: the quality of the preparation of medical devices depends very much on the competence, training and behavior of the personnel involved in these operations. Initial and continuous training is required for sterilization, using autoclaves, hygiene and safety, etc.

-Staff hygiene: each member of staff must report to management any infection he or she is infected with and that is likely to constitute a risk of contamination.

-Protection: protecting staff members against accidental contamination or injury is essential. It is absolutely necessary to respect the dress code procedures and rules for moving in the space.

What are the different steps of sterilization?

When medical devices have been used and require sterilization, they must go through a series of six steps:

-Pre-disinfection:

this must be carried out as soon as possible after the equipment has been used by completely immersing the instruments in a detergent and disinfectant solution. This reduces the population of microorganisms and therefore facilitates the subsequent cleaning of the instruments, while preventing environmental contamination.

-Cleaning (or washing): it includes a mechanical action (to remove dirt by spraying and rubbing), a chemical action (to make dirt soluble with a detergent) and a thermal action (to speed up the cleaning and drying process).

-Packaging: medical devices must be packaged before they pass through the sterilizer.

-Sterilization: it depends on the sterilization process you choose.

-Verification: verification is carried out before, during and after sterilization.