Sterilization and Hygiene Equipment Key Terms

Know more about the sterilization equipment for medical devices

Sterilization and hygiene equipment is essential for medical offices and hospitals. Sterilization equipment is a good way to reduce costs on medical supplies that can easily be reused without worry of contamination between patients. Most medical devices and equipment that can be sterilized and used again are made from certain materials, such as stainless steel, that are not porous and are easy to clean with heat or cleaning solutions. Along with the proper equipment, those in the medical field should also know about the proper procedures for disposing of materials that are not reusable.

 

Radiation sterilization

Radiation sterilization is a type of sterilization for polymer-based medical devices and materials that use gamma radiation. This is one of three types of common sterilization techniques used in hospitals and clinics.
Try: Medical Device Link offers a discussion on how results from radiation sterilization are validated to ensure safety.

Sterilization dose

The sterilization dose is the amount of gamma radiation used in radiation sterilization. This dose is determined by dose auditing a sample form of the material to determine how much radiation should be used.
Try: STERIS Isomedix Services outlines the process of gamma radiation sterilization dose auditing.

Disinfectants, sterilants

Disinfectants is the second of the three ways to sterilize medical devices and equipment. Disinfectants, or sterilants, are chemicals that can be applied to medical devices for cleaning and sterilization by killing live microorganisms that may be living on the surface.
Try: The Healthcare Environmental Resource Center offers information and guidelines on using different types of chemical disinfectants in a healthcare setting.

Autoclave

An autoclave is the third type of sterilization available for medical devices. An autoclave is a vessel that uses pressurized steam heat to sterilize medical equipment. Autoclaves are often used for stainless steel devices, because the temperature can destroy certain paper and plastic products.
Try: The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Services offers temperature and procedural information on using an autoclave for different types of medical waste.

Steam indicator strips

A steam indicator strip is used in autoclaves to test the amount of steam in the autoclave during each cycle. The test indicator strip will tell you whether the cycle went normally, or if the autoclave needs adjustments.
Try: 3M offers compliance information on the types of steam indicator strips that need to be used in healthcare facilities.

Dry heat sterilizers

Dry heat sterilizers are used when steam heat will corrode or otherwise damage medical equipment that needs sterilization. Dry heat sterilizers are often used in dental and medical radiology.
Try: CPAC Imaging offers literature and user manuals for its dry heat sterilizers.

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