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Common Sterilization Methods And Techniques Used By Sterile Processing Professionals Sterilization is a critical aspect of healthcare and medical services, and it is the responsibility of sterile processing technicians to ensure that medical equipment and instruments are free from contaminants and pathogens. In this article, we’ll explore the various sterilization methods and techniques used by sterile processing technicians to
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Common Sterilization Methods And Techniques Used By Sterile Processing Professionals.pdf

Apr 04, 2023

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Sterilization is a critical aspect of healthcare and medical services, and it is the responsibility of sterile processing technicians to ensure that medical equipment and instruments are free from contaminants and pathogens. https://ptt.edu/blog/common-sterilization-methods-and-techniques-used-by-sterile-processing-professionals/ sterile technician training in philadelphia, sterile technician program in philadelphia, sterile processing technician program in philadelphia, sterile processing technician school in philadelphia, sterile processing technician training in philadelphia,
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Processing Professionals
Sterilization is a critical aspect of healthcare and medical services, and it
is the responsibility of sterile processing technicians to ensure that
medical equipment and instruments are free from contaminants and
pathogens. In this article, we’ll explore the various sterilization
methods and techniques used by sterile processing technicians to
maintain a safe and healthy environment for patients and healthcare
workers.
Steam Sterilization
Steam sterilization, also known as autoclaving, is one of the most
common sterilization methods used in healthcare facilities. This process
involves subjecting medical instruments and equipment to high-
pressure steam at a temperature of 121°C (250°F) for a specific period
of time, which kills all microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and
spores. Sterile processing programs teach students that steam
sterilization is highly effective and is suitable for most types of medical
equipment.
that is commonly used for heat-sensitive equipment and materials,
such as plastics, electronics, and textiles. This process involves exposing
the items to a mixture of ethylene oxide gas and other gasses at a
temperature of 37°C (99°F) for several hours, which kills all
microorganisms. Proper use of ethylene oxide is taught in the central
service technician program. Ethylene oxide sterilization is highly
effective but requires specialized equipment and handling procedures.
Hydrogen Peroxide Sterilization
method that uses a vaporized hydrogen peroxide gas to sterilize
medical instruments and equipment. This process involves exposing the
items to the gas at a temperature of around 55°C (131°F) for several
hours, which kills all microorganisms. Sterile processing students learn
to work with hydrogen peroxide in a sterile processing program.
Hydrogen peroxide sterilization is highly effective and is commonly
used for heat-sensitive equipment and materials.
Plasma Sterilization
Plasma sterilization is a low-temperature sterilization method that uses
plasma gas to sterilize medical instruments and equipment. This
process involves exposing the items to a low-pressure plasma gas at a
temperature of around 45°C (113°F) for a short period, which kills all
microorganisms. Plasma sterilization is highly effective and is suitable
for most types of medical equipment. The Central service technician
program teaches students the process of plasma sterilization.
Gamma radiation sterilization is a high-energy radiation method that is
commonly used for medical instruments and equipment that are heat-
sensitive or cannot withstand other sterilization methods. This process
involves exposing the items to gamma radiation, which damages the
DNA of microorganisms, rendering them unable to reproduce. Gamma
radiation sterilization is highly effective but requires specialized
equipment and handling procedures. Students learn how to handle the
specialized equipment in the sterile processing program.
Chemical Sterilization
all microorganisms. Chemical sterilization is highly effective and is
commonly used for heat-sensitive equipment and materials. Sterile
processing training is important to avoid hazards while working with
heat with chemicals.
Ultraviolet (UV) Sterilization
Sterile processing training teaches UV sterilization to the students in a
supervised environment. Ultraviolet (UV) sterilization is a low-
temperature sterilization method that uses ultraviolet light to kill
microorganisms. This process involves exposing the items to UV light at
a specific wavelength, which damages the DNA of microorganisms,
rendering them unable to reproduce. UV sterilization is effective for
surface disinfection but is not suitable for sterilizing medical equipment
and instruments.
Dry heat sterilization is a sterilization method that uses high
temperatures to sterilize medical instruments and equipment. This
process involves subjecting the items to dry heat at a temperature of
around 160°C (320°F) for a specific period of time, which kills all
microorganisms. Dry heat sterilization is highly effective but is not
suitable for all types of medical equipment and instruments.
Conclusion Sterile processing technicians must know the different sterilization
methods. With advancement in technology sterilization methods have
processing fiends stay up to date.