Did you know that nearly ten billion dollars are spent annually on managing surgical sites and hospital-acquired infections? That is why more emphasis is placed on sterile processing to minimize infections in the hospital setting.
What is Sterile Processing
Sterile processing, or sterilization, is used to clean non-disposable surgical and medical instruments to make them microbe-free. The process of sterilization varies from one medical device to another. Some may require disassembling and decontamination before sterilization, and others may require sterilization through radiation because they are sensitive to heat. Therefore, it is crucial to involve a sterile processing interim manager for supervision.
Methods of Sterile Processing
The three primary methods of sterile processing are:
• Steam sterilization
• Dry heat sterilization
• Gas sterilization
The membrane filtration method is another method of sterilization. Note that this technique is rare as it requires high cleanliness levels in the facility. However, it may be used for the production of sterile fluids.
The choice of method of sterile processing is based on the item being sterilized. Therefore, sterile processing consulting services are ideal. As a rule of thumb, gas sterilization is the method of choice if the instrument is sensitive to heat. The other two methods can be used if the artifact degrades when exposed to water or steam.
When setting up a hospital or starting a sterilization center, it is vital to consider sterile processing consulting services offered by Moab Healthcare. The team of dedicated sterile processing experts headed by the sterile processing interim manager will guide you through each step. To contact Moab Healthcare, visit moabhealthcare.com.
