Below are the most common questions we receive about standards related to sterilization.
Can AAMI staff talk with The Joint Commission on behalf of my facility? Where can I find information on sterilization for dental practices? Where can I find information on sterilization of eye equipment or TASS? Where can I find guidelines on endoscope processing? Where can I find information on instrument trays/wraps?Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Sections 9.5 and 10.1.3.
Where can I find information on autoclaves?Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Sections 10 and 12.
Where can I find information on pouches?Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Sections 9.5.4 and 10.1.2.
Where can I find information on ultrasonic cleaners?Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Sections 7.6.4.4 and 7.6.4.3.3, and Annex P.
Where can I find information on IUSS?Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Sections 7.4.1, 9.3 and 13.3.3.
Where can I find information on instrument transportation/offsite sterilization?Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Section 6.
Where can I find information on instrument tape?Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Sections 7.4.1, 9.3 and 13.3.3.
Where can I find information on damages to packaging for sterilization?Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Section 9.5.2.
Where can I find information on wet packs or evidence of moisture?Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Sections 10.4, 13.9.4 and Annex O.
Where can I find information at deionized water/water for processing?Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Section 3.3.3.1 and Annex M. Also, AAMI TIR34:2014/(R)2017, Water for the reprocessing of medical devices.
How long should we keep records?Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Section 13.3.4.
Where can I find information on storage of instruments?Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Section 11.
Where can I find information on returning unused equipment?Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Sections 5.3, 13.5.2.2.2.
Where can I find information on humidity, ventilation, or temperature?Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Sections 3.2.1.1, 3.3.5.5 and 3.3.6.1.1.
Where can I find information on separation of contamination & clean work?Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Section 6.2.
Where can I find information on sinks?Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Sections 3.2.1.2, 3.3.5.7, 3.3.6.1.1.