Clinical Sterilizers - An Overview
High temperature steam sterilizers and autoclaves intended for the healthcare, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors are available for processing a wide variety of materials and equipment. The porous load sterilizer is one of the most common types of high temperature steam sterilizer used in UK hospitals today. Typically the sterilizer will be located in a Central Sterilizing and Supplies Department (CSSD) or a Hospital Sterilization and Disinfection Unit (HSDU). Some hospitals may, as an alternative to the CSSD or HSDU have a dedicated Theatre Sterile Supply Unit (TSSU) attached to an operating theatre suite. The porous load sterilizer is primarily intended to process porous items such as dressings, gowns and other textiles. In addition, they are capable of sterilizing medical and surgical equipment wrapped in porous materials. Sterilizers for this purpose are also categorised as clinical sterilizers. Current regulatory requirements dictate that clinical sterilizers intended for the processing of medical devices are categorised under the Medical Device Directive 93/42/EEC. Before placing a clinical sterilizer on the market, the manufacturer must ensure that a number of essential requirements for performance and safety are met. Other clinical sterilizers specifically for processing unwrapped instruments and utensils are also available. It is important to note that they are used principally for the processing of solid instruments and utensils intended for immediate use. Typically used in outreach locations such as clinics, dentistry and chiropody were access to a central porous load sterilizer is not available. These sterilizers are in no way suitable for the processing of wrapped instruments. For hollow instruments and wrapped items, small bench top vacuum types are now available although overall cycle times and the level of testing required are sometimes considered as prohibitive. For further information and resources relating to autoclave and sterilizer technology, visit http://www.steriliser.co.uk
