Clarifying Steam Sterilization Requirements

• 8/27/2009
• Author: Janet Pimentel
• Category: The Source Blog
• 24492 Views
• 0 Comments
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Standard IC.02.02.01, EP 2 requires organizations to implement infection prevention and control activities when sterilizing medical equipment, devices, and supplies. However, many health care organizations are unsure of the appropriate way to clean, disinfect, and sterilize the equipment, devices, and supplies. As a result, The Joint Commission recently issued a statement about steam sterilization.

Organizations can also find helpful steam sterilization strategies in the September 2009 issue of The Source. The cover story includes specific examples of what surveyors will be looking for when checking continuous compliance for steam sterilization during an on-site survey, including staff orientation and ongoing training. (How many of you didn’t even think of these?!)

If your organization is interested in learning other strategies to be in better compliance with this standard, you’ll find that in the article too. Let me know what you think!