Factors related to quality of steam for sterilization of medical devices

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5327/Z1414-4425202100040003

Keywords:

Sterilization, Steam, Quality control, Quality management

Abstract

Objectives: To identify and discuss the factors related to quality of steam and their relation to daily practices of the Central Sterile Supply
Department (CSSD). Method: Documentary research based on the analysis of the normative theoretical framework about quality of steam for the sterilization of medical devices. Results: Factors that are directly related to quality of steam are: feedwater, steam contaminants, pipeline pressure fluctuations, non-condensable gases, steam dryness and superheating. Conclusion: Controlling factors that impact the success of steam sterilization is not an
assignment for clinical engineering service only; it is a responsibility that should be shared with the manager of the CSSD. Safety in steam sterilization
should not be reduced to monitoring of time, temperature or the result of physical, chemical and biological indicators, but include monitoring of the
quality of steam, which is the sterilizing agent.

Author Biographies

Rafael Queiroz de Souza, Enfermeiro. Pós-Doutor em Ciências pela Escola de Enfermagem da Universidade de São Paulo (USP) – São Paulo (SP), Brasil.

Enfermeiro, Pós-doutor em ciências, Escola de Enfermagem da USP, São Paulo, SP

Sandoval Barbosa Rodrigues, Analista e desenvolvedor de sistemas. Mestre em Engenharia de Processos pela Universidade da Região de Joinville – Joinville (SC), Brasil.

Analista e Desenvolvedor de Sistemas, Mestre em Engenharia de Processos, Universidade da Região de Joinville, Joinville, SC

Emerson Aparecido Miguel, Engenheiro químico. Especialista em Engenharia do Trabalho pela Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz – São Paulo (SP), Brasil.

Engenheiro Químico, Especialização em Engenharia do Trabalho, Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz, São Paulo, SP

Kazuko Uchikawa Graziano, Enfermeira. Livre-docente pela Escola de Enfermagem da USP – São Paulo (SP), Brasil.

Enfermeira, Livre-docente, Escola de Enfermagem da USP, São Paulo, SP

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Published

2022-04-08

How to Cite

Souza, R. Q. de, Rodrigues, S. B., Miguel, E. A., & Graziano, K. U. (2022). Factors related to quality of steam for sterilization of medical devices. Revista SOBECC, 26(4). https://doi.org/10.5327/Z1414-4425202100040003

Issue

Vol. 26 No. 4 (2021)

Section

ORIGINAL ARTICLES

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Copyright (c) 2022 Rafael Queiroz de Souza, Sandoval Barbosa Rodrigues, Emerson Aparecido Miguel, Kazuko Uchikawa Graziano

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