Sterilization is an essential process in medical procedures. Medical tests and treatments become ineffective and harmful to patients and practitioners without proper sterilization techniques. This process is performed by professional medical workers with an SPT certification.
It requires expertise to properly sterilize objects, equipment, and areas properly, enforcing the need for graduates from an online sterile processing technician course or other medicine-related courses.
There are three ways to sterilize objects: steam, dry heat, and ethylene oxide.Each method comes with its benefits and risks. The object to be sterilized often determines the appropriate method since not all materials suit various sterilization agents.
Steam Sterilization
Also known as autoclaving, steam sterilizationuses high-pressure steam to eliminate microorganisms. This method is often used to sterilize instruments, surgical supplies, and other materials that can withstand high temperatures and moisture.
Advantages
- It eliminates multiple types of microorganisms.
- It is quicker and less expensive than other sterilization methods.
Disadvantages
- Materials must be able to withstand high temperatures and moisture, which can limit the types of materials that can be sterilized.
- It can cause damage to some materials, such as plastics, rubber, and paper.
- It can result in wet materials that must be dried before use.
Dry Heat Sterilization
Dry heat sterilization is a way to kill microorganisms by heating them to high temperatures without steam. This method is often used for objects like powders, oils, and metals which cannot be subjected to water or moisture.
Advantages
- It eliminates a wide range of microorganisms.
- It can be used for materials that cannot be sterilized using steam.
- It does not produce toxic residues.
Disadvantages
- It requires longer exposure times and higher temperatures compared to steam sterilization.
- It can cause damage to some materials, such as plastics and rubber.
- It can result in uneven heat distribution, which can affect the effectiveness of sterilization.
Ethylene Oxide Sterilization
Ethylene oxide sterilization is a technique for objects that risks damage when exposed to heat. This includes plastics, rubber, and electronics. This method uses ethylene oxide, which kills microorganisms, including spores.
Advantages
- It can eliminate a wide range of microorganisms, including spores.
- It can be used for materials that cannot be sterilized using heat.
- It does not require high temperatures or moisture, which can benefit some materials.
Disadvantages
- It can be toxic to humans if not properly handled.
- It requires a longer sterilization time compared to steam or dry heat sterilization.
- It can leave behind toxic residues that must be removed before use.
Sterilization can be done in various ways. The most used options are steam, dry heat, and ethylene oxide sterilization. Aside from these, there are other types that sterilization technicians use in different situations.
Learn more about sterilization and the commonly used terms in sterilization tech. Read this infographic by Martinson College, an online learning institution for aspiring sterilization technicians.
