Why is regular sterilisation equipment cleaning so important? This article outlines the daily and weekly cleaning procedures for Sterilisation Equipment, and RO (Reverse Osmosis) Water Plant and provides guidance on repair and maintenance.
Anand Machindra Dalvi is Senior Service Manager at Advent International Limited. He has hands-on experience and a proven track record with sterilisation equipment, and has successfully repaired the STH-400 L Autoclave machine in Ghana, West Africa.

Why is Sterilisation Equipment Cleaning important?

Introduction: Hospital Sterilisation – A Critical Component of Infection Control

Infection control is a top priority in healthcare settings, and sterilisation plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of infections. Hospital sterilisation is a process that eliminates or destroys all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, from medical equipment and surfaces. In this article, I will discuss the importance of sterilisation in hospitals, the procedures involved, and the significance of using sterilisation equipment and surgical equipment.

Pre-Installation Checklist for Autoclave and Plasma Sterilisation Equipment

There are three essential requirements for Autoclave and Plasma Sterilisation Equipment.

1. Stable Power Supply

A stable power supply source is crucial for the proper functioning of the equipment use an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) with Automatic Voltage Regulation (AVR).

2. Room Size

The room size should be adequate to accommodate the equipment and allow for easy maintenance and operation.

3. RO Water Connection

A Reverse Osmosis (RO) water connection is required for the equipment.

Plumbing Requirements

There are three plumbing requirements for for Autoclave and Plasma Sterilisation Equipment.

RO Water Only

Only RO water should be used for plumbing to prevent contamination and ensure optimal performance.

Proper Plumbing

The plumbing should be done properly to prevent leaks and ensure smooth operation.

Manufacturer’s Guidelines

The manufacturer’s guidelines should be followed for plumbing and installation.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

If the sterilisation equipment is not maintained properly there will be operational consequences.

Frequent Problems

Failure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and use RO water may result in frequent problems with the sterilisation equipment.

Reduced Equipment Lifespan

Improper installation and maintenance may reduce the lifespan of the equipment.

Compromised Sterilisation

Inadequate plumbing and water quality may compromise the sterilisation equipment and process.

Autoclave

An autoclave is a device used to sterilise equipment and supplies by subjecting them to high pressure saturated steam. It is a critical component in healthcare settings, laboratories, and industries where sterilisation is essential.

Types of Autoclaves

Gravity Displacement Autoclaves

Use gravity to remove air from the chamber.

Pre-Vacuum Autoclaves

Use a vacuum to remove air from the chamber.

Steam Flush Pressure Pulse (SFPP) Autoclaves

Use a combination of steam and pressure pulses to sterilise equipment.

User Training for Autoclave and Plasma Sterilisation Equipment

Proper Operation

User training ensures that staff operate the equipment correctly, reducing the risk of errors and accidents.

Effective Sterilisation and Use of Sterilisation Equipment

Proper training ensures that staff understand the sterilisation process, including temperature, timer settings, and load placement.

Sterilisation Equipment Maintenance

Trained staff can perform routine maintenance tasks, such as checking pressure gauges, alarms, and indicators.

Training Topics for Sterilisation Equipment

There are six training topics to focus on.

1. Equipment Operation

Staff should be trained on how to turn on the supply, fill the RO water tank, and start the sterilisation procedure.

2. Temperature and Timer Settings

Staff should understand how to set the temperature and timer according to the load being sterilised.

3. Load Placement

Staff should be trained on how to properly place loads in the autoclave chamber.

4. Gauges, Alarms, and Indicators

Staff should understand how to monitor and respond to pressure gauges, alarms, and indicators.

5. Log Maintenance

Staff should be trained on how to log data, such as temperature, pressure, and cycle completion.

6. Door Operation

Staff should be trained on how to properly open and close the autoclave door, including tightening the handle.

Training Methods for Sterilisation Equipment

Hands-on Training

Staff should receive hands-on training on the equipment, including operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Manufacturer’s Guidelines

Staff should be trained on the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for equipment operation and maintenance.

Supervised Practice

Staff should practice operating the equipment under supervision to ensure they understand the procedures.

Training Frequency

Initial Training

Staff should receive initial training before operating the equipment.

Refresher Training

Staff should receive refresher training periodically to ensure they remain familiar with the equipment and procedures.

New Staff Training

New staff members should receive training on the equipment and procedures before operating the equipment.

How Autoclaves Work

Autoclave System with 3-Phase/Single-Phase Supply and Heating Elements

The autoclave system uses a 3-phase or single-phase electrical supply to power heating elements (coils) that boil Reverse Osmosis (RO) water to generate high-temperature steam. The steam is then directed through stainless steel pipes to the autoclave chamber.

Components

1. Heating Elements (Coils): Electric coils that heat the RO water to produce steam.
2. 3-Phase/Single-Phase Supply: Electrical supply system that powers the heating elements.
3. Stainless Steel Pipes: Pipes that transport the steam from the heating elements to the autoclave chamber.
4. Autoclave Chamber: The chamber where the steam is used for sterilization.

Operation

1. Water Heating: The heating elements (coils) heat the RO water to a high temperature, producing steam.
2. Steam Generation: The steam is generated and directed through the stainless steel pipes to the autoclave chamber.
3. Sterilisation: The steam is used for sterilisation in the autoclave chamber.

Safety Features

1. Temperature Control: The system includes temperature control mechanisms to prevent overheating.
2. Pressure Relief Valve: A pressure relief valve is installed to prevent excessive pressure buildup.
3. Electrical Safety: The system is designed with electrical safety features to prevent electrical shock.

Use 3 phase / Single phase supply and Heating Elements (coil)

1. Steam Generation: Autoclaves generate steam, which is used to sterilise the equipment.
2. Pressure Chamber: The equipment is placed in a pressure chamber, where the steam is introduced.
3. High Pressure and Temperature: The steam raises the temperature and pressure inside the chamber, killing microorganisms.

Applications

1. Medical Settings: Autoclaves are used to sterilise medical equipment, such as surgical instruments and gloves.
2. Laboratories: Autoclaves are used to sterilise equipment, media, and waste.
3. Industries: Autoclaves are used in various industries, such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology.

Benefits

1. Effective Sterilisation: Autoclaves provide effective sterilisation, eliminating microorganisms and ensuring equipment safety.
2. Efficient: Autoclaves are efficient, allowing for rapid sterilisation and minimising downtime.
3. Environmentally Friendly: Autoclaves are a more environmentally friendly option compared to other sterilisation methods.

Why is Sterilisation and Sterilisation Equipment Important in Hospitals?

Sterilisation is essential in hospitals to prevent the spread of infections and ensure patient safety. Here are some reasons why sterilisation is critical.

Prevents the spread of infections

Sterilisation helps to eliminate microorganisms that can cause infections, reducing the risk of transmission to patients and healthcare workers.

Ensures patient safety

Sterilisation is critical to prevent surgical site infections, which can be life-threatening.

Reduces healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)

Sterilisation helps to reduce the incidence of HAIs, which are a major concern in healthcare settings.

Sterilisation Procedures

There are several sterilisation procedures used in hospitals, including the following.

Autoclaving

Uses high-pressure steam to kill microorganisms.

Dry heat sterilisation

Uses hot air to kill microorganisms.

Ethylene oxide sterilisation

Uses a gas to kill microorganisms.

Hydrogen peroxide gas plasma sterilisation

Uses a gas to kill microorganisms.

Importance of Using Sterilisation Equipment

Sterilisation equipment is critical to ensure that medical equipment and surfaces are properly sterilised. Here are some reasons why:
1) Ensures effective sterilisation: Sterilisation equipment helps to ensure that microorganisms are eliminated or destroyed.
2) Reduces the risk of infection: Proper use of sterilisation equipment reduces the risk of infection transmission.
3) Extends the life of medical equipment: Proper sterilisation and maintenance of medical equipment can help extend its lifespan.

Importance of Using Surgical Equipment

Surgical equipment is critical to ensure that surgical procedures are performed safely and effectively. Here are some reasons why.

Ensures patient safety

Surgical equipment is designed to ensure patient safety during surgical procedures.

Reduces the risk of infection

Proper use of surgical equipment reduces the risk of infection transmission.

Improves surgical outcomes

Proper use of surgical equipment can improve surgical outcomes and reduce the risk of complications.

Plasma Sterilisation

Plasma sterilisation is a low-temperature sterilisation process that uses a gas plasma to kill microorganisms. It is a popular method for sterilising heat-sensitive medical devices and equipment.

How Plasma Sterilisation Works

1. Gas Plasma Generation

A gas, such as hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid, is introduced into a chamber and converted into a plasma state.

2. Reactive Species

The plasma generates reactive species, such as free radicals and ions, which interact with microorganisms.

3. Microbial Inactivation

The reactive species inactivate microorganisms by damaging their cell membranes and DNA.

Applications

Medical Devices
Plasma sterilisation is used to sterilise heat-sensitive medical devices, such as endoscopes and catheters.

Pharmaceuticals
Plasma sterilisation is used to sterilise pharmaceutical products, such as powders and liquids.

Food Processing
Plasma sterilisation is used to sterilise food packaging and equipment.

Benefits

Low Temperature
Plasma sterilisation is a low-temperature process, making it suitable for heat-sensitive materials. There are three main benefits as follows.

Effective Sterilisation
Plasma sterilisation is an effective method for killing microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Environmentally Friendly
Plasma sterilisation is a more environmentally friendly option compared to other sterilisation methods.

Types of Plasma Sterilisation

Hydrogen Peroxide Plasma Sterilisation

Uses hydrogen peroxide as the gas source.

Peracetic Acid Plasma Sterilisation

Uses peracetic acid as the gas source.

Ozone Plasma Sterilisation

Uses ozone as the gas source.

Validation and Quality Control

Biological Indicators

Used to validate the effectiveness of plasma sterilisation.

Chemical Indicators

Used to monitor the plasma sterilisation process.

Physical Parameters

Monitored to ensure optimal plasma sterilisation conditions.

Why Plasma Sterilisation Equipment is Needed

There are three main limitations of traditional sterilisation methods.

1. Heat Sensitivity

Many medical devices and equipment are heat-sensitive and cannot withstand high temperatures used in traditional sterilisation methods like cameras and flexible scopes.

2. Chemical Residues

Some sterilisation methods leave chemical residues on surfaces, which can be toxic or cause allergic reactions.

3. Inadequate Sterilisation

Some sterilisation methods may not be effective against certain types of microorganisms.

Benefits of Plasma Sterilisation

Low Temperature

Plasma sterilisation is a low-temperature process, making it suitable for heat-sensitive materials.

No Chemical Residues

Plasma sterilisation does not leave chemical residues on surfaces.

Effective Against Microorganisms

Plasma sterilisation is effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

Industries That Benefit from Plasma Sterilisation

Medical Devices
Plasma sterilisation is used to sterilise medical devices, such as endoscopes, catheters, and implants.

Pharmaceuticals
Plasma sterilisation is used to sterilise pharmaceutical products, such as powders and liquids.

Food Processing
Plasma sterilisation is used to sterilise food packaging and equipment.

Regulatory Requirements

FDA Guidelines
ISO Standards
GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) Regulations

Further reading

More articles in The Field Engineer’s blog

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