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.

§       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.

§       We have 24-hour test results for Steam sterilizers!

§       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).