The sterilization unit is one of the most critical areas of our hospital. This unit is where disinfection and sterilization processes are carried out to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms from medical instruments, equipment, and materials. Sterilization is a crucial part of infection control in healthcare settings because it helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Depending on the type of material and the required level of disinfection, the unit employs various methods to sterilize/disinfect the equipment.
Core Functions of a Sterilization Unit:
- Cleaning: The first step in sterilization is cleaning. Instruments are first manually cleaned to remove visible dirt, debris, and biological contaminants, then washed in an automatic machine at 130°C for 60-70 minutes to remove macroscopic dirt. Before being placed in the automatic washing device, materials are cleaned using an ultrasonic cleaning device. After cleaning, materials are categorized and either:
Packaged and sterilized in an autoclave,
b. Packaged and sterilized using hydrogen peroxide,
c. Subjected to high-level disinfection (HLD) for devices like cystoscopes.
- Sterilization: The final step involves killing all microbial life forms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores. Autoclave and hydrogen peroxide methods are used for sterilization in the hospital.
- Storage: After sterilization, instruments and materials are stored in a clean, dry, and secure environment to maintain their sterility until needed.
- Monitoring: Continuous monitoring is essential to ensure the effectiveness of the sterilization process. This includes using biological indicators (e.g., spore tests) and physically monitoring temperature, pressure, and time to confirm successful sterilization.
Sterilization Control:
- Chemical Indicators: These indicators show whether specific sterilization conditions have been met within sterilizer pouches or autoclave bags. In the hospital, exposure strips, Bowie-Dick tests, and Class 5 and Class 6 chemical indicators are used.
- Biological Control: Used for post-repair checks, to detect sterilization for materials intended for implantation, or routinely on a weekly basis. The hospital employs biological indicators that provide results in 30 and 60 minutes.
Importance of Hospital Sterilization Units:
- Infection Prevention: Proper sterilization ensures that reusable medical instruments do not transmit infections to patients during procedures.
- Regulatory Compliance: Hospitals must comply with strict health and safety regulations related to sterilization practices to maintain accreditation and avoid legal issues.
- Patient Safety: Adequate sterilization helps prevent the spread of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), which can have serious consequences for patient health.
In general, a sterilization unit is a vital component of a hospital’s infrastructure, ensuring that medical equipment is safe and ready for use, while supporting overall patient care and safety.
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