Water Quality in Sterile Processing: An Overview

Martin Li, MA, CRCST, CER, CIS, CHL

Water quality plays a critical role in the effective processing of medical devices. Poor water quality can lead to numerous complications, from equipment damage to ineffective sterilization, posing potential risks to patient safety. Below, we discuss typical water quality issues encountered in sterile processing, their causes, and recommended troubleshooting measures.

Common Problems and Causes

1. Ineffective Cleaning or Residual Soil
• Causes: Allowing soil to dry on devices, inefficient cleaning processes, or incompatible water quality can result in residues.
• Recommendations: Regularly review cleaning procedures and conduct water quality tests, focusing on hardness and chemistry compatibility.
2. Surface Damages (e.g., Corrosion, Pitting, Rusting)
• Causes: Poor water quality (e.g., high pH, chlorinated water), exposure to certain chemicals, and physical damage can lead to surface degradation.
• Recommendations: Monitor water quality parameters like pH, chlorine, and silicates. Repair or discard damaged devices as needed.
3. Biofilm Development
• Causes: Ineffective maintenance and pooling water can promote bacterial growth.
• Recommendations: Ensure proper equipment maintenance and improve drainage and water quality control.
4. Mineral Deposits (e.g., White Chalky Spots)
• Causes: High water hardness leads to mineral buildup on devices.
• Recommendations: Consider using water treatment solutions to reduce hardness, and test contaminants like silicon oxides.

Effective water management and routine quality testing are essential in sterile processing to ensure device safety and functionality. Consulting experts can further aid in resolving persistent water quality issues, ultimately ensuring higher standards in patient care.

References

1. STERIS. (2024). Importance of Water Quality in Medical Device Reprocessing. Retrieved from steris.com
2. Health Facilities Management Magazine. (2024). Water quality standard for sterile processing. Retrieved from hfmmagazine.com
3. Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. (2023). ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023.