Sterilizers - what are they and what types are there

Sterilization of instruments is one of the cornerstones of medical safety. Without proper instrument processing, it is impossible to protect patients and staff from infections transmitted through blood and biological fluids. Modern types and methods of sterilization of medical instruments and materials guarantee the complete destruction of pathogenic microorganisms.

Understanding what types of sterilizers there are, what is the difference between sterilization methods, what instruments are subject to processing, is of crucial importance for clinics, laboratories and medical institutions.

What is sterilization and why is it needed

Sterilization is a procedure aimed at the complete destruction of all microflora from the surface of instruments, equipment and products. Unlike disinfection, which only partially eliminates microflora, sterilization in medicine guarantees complete microbiological purity, ensuring safety in medical practice.

Without proper sterilization, safe manipulations in surgery, gynecology, dentistry and other areas of medicine are impossible. The correct choice of sterilization method is not only a matter of efficiency, but also compliance with infection control standards and protection of patients' health.

Medical sterilization is not a formality, but a key element of infection control. The reliability of medical care is directly related to the efficiency of sterilization processes.

What instruments are subject to sterilization

Before sterilization, medical instruments undergo disinfection treatment and mechanical cleaning. Next comes the mandatory sterilization of medical devices, especially if they come into contact with blood, mucous membranes or internal organs.

Instruments subject to sterilization:

• Surgical instruments. Scalpels, clamps, scissors, needle holders.

• Sterilization of gynecological instruments. Mirrors, forceps, curettes.

• Dental instruments. Mirrors, probe tips, burs.

• Injection accessories. Sterilization of syringes and needles (reusable).

• Endoscopic equipment. Requires particularly gentle sterilization methods.

• Laboratory instruments and accessories.

Each reusable medical device requires a strictly defined approach to sterilization. Ignoring these requirements leads to risks to the health of patients and violation of SES standards.

Classification of sterilizers

Types of sterilization are distinguished by the principle of operation, volume, processing speed and type of sterilized products:

• Steam autoclaves operate on the principle of steam under pressure. They are effective and versatile, widely used in medicine.

• Dry-heat ovens carry out sterilization with dry hot air at high temperatures. Suitable for glass and metal instruments.

• Gas sterilizers use ethylene oxide vapor. They are used for products sensitive to temperature and moisture.

• Plasma sterilizers are modern equipment that uses active hydrogen plasma. A gentle method for heat-sensitive products.

• Chemical sterilizers involve complete immersion of the instrument in a solution of the sterilizing agent. The method is suitable for plastic and rubber products.

• Infrared sterilizers use infrared radiation. They are used less often, but are promising in terms of speed and compactness.

Sterilizers are also classified by volume (tabletop and floor), control type (manual, automatic), the presence of additional functions (drying, vacuum, etc.).

The correct choice of sterilization method depends on the profile of the medical institution, the number of sterilized instruments and the specifics of the materials used. Each device requires strict adherence to the manufacturer's instructions to achieve 100% sterility.

Instrument sterilization methods: a detailed overview

We will tell you about the methods that are used in medical practice.

Thermal sterilization

Sterilization with dry hot air takes place in special cabinets at a temperature of +160 ° C. The method is applicable to metal and glass instruments that are resistant to high temperatures.

Advantages:

• Ease of use.

• Equipment availability.

Disadvantages:

• Process duration (60–120 minutes).

• Cannot process plastic or rubber products.

Steam sterilization (autoclave) is most often used in clinics and hospitals. Instruments are processed with saturated water vapor under pressure (121–134°C). This ensures effective destruction of microorganisms in a short time.

Advantages:

• Universality.

• Processing speed.

• High efficiency even with large volumes.

Disadvantages:

• Not suitable for moisture- and heat-sensitive products.

Thermal sterilization is one of the most reliable and proven methods for metal surgical instruments.

Chemical sterilization

This method involves the use of solutions based on aldehydes, hydrogen peroxide, chlorine or other active substances. Products are completely immersed in the solution.

Advantages:

• Applicable to plastic, rubber, optics.

• Gentle mode for complex and heat-sensitive products.

Disadvantages:

• Strict control of concentration and exposure time is required.

• Thorough rinsing after processing is necessary.

A chemical method of disinfecting medical instruments is also used when pre-sterilization preparation is required.

Chemical sterilization is relevant in cases where other methods are impossible. It requires increased attention to compliance with regulations, but allows processing products if it is impossible to sterilize instruments thermally.

Gas sterilization

Uses ethylene oxide (EtO) - an effective sterilizing agent that penetrates hard-to-reach areas of complex structures. It is used in centralized sterilization departments of large hospitals.

Advantages:

• Versatility in relation to materials.

• Deep penetration into micro surfaces.

Disadvantages:

• Gas toxicity, ventilation required.

• Long sterilization cycle (up to 12 hours).

• High cost of equipment.

Gas sterilization is a powerful, but expensive and strict control method. It is used mainly for sterilization of medical products industrially or in large institutions.

Plasma sterilization

Based on the effect of active plasma of hydrogen or other gases.

Advantages:

• Fast sterilization (30-70 min).

• Suitable for optics and plastic.

Disadvantages:

• High cost of equipment.

• Ineffective in the presence of organic contaminants.

Plasma sterilization is one of the most technologically advanced and promising. It is especially in demand in ophthalmology and dentistry, where complex and expensive instruments are used. It is also what is used to sterilize surgical instruments.

Infrared sterilization

Rarely used, but is gaining popularity in conditions of limited space or when express processing is needed. The effect of infrared radiation is effective for disinfecting surfaces and simple instruments.

The infrared method is an auxiliary one. It can be used in cosmetology, dentistry, or in mobile medical care, when mobility and speed are important.

Which method is better?

The methods of sterilization of instruments are selected individually for the tasks of the institution. Steam, hot air, gas, plasma or chemistry - each method has its advantages, limitations and technical nuances. It is the correct choice of technology that ensures high sterilization efficiency and the safety of instruments.

Choosing a sterilizer

Before purchasing a sterilizer, it is important to consider not only the budget, but also many technical parameters. Compliance with sanitary standards and comfort in the work of medical personnel depend on the correct choice of equipment.

Key selection factors:

• Type of instruments. Heat-resistant or heat-labile.

• Materials. Metal, glass, plastic, rubber, optics.

• Sterilization volumes. Number of procedures per day.

• Speed ​​and productivity. Cycle duration.

• Availability of consumables and service.

The equipment must correspond to the clinic profile, workload volumes and type of materials being sterilized.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is sterilization in simple terms?

This is a manipulation of complete cleaning of instruments from all types of pathogenic microorganisms.

Why sterilize medical instruments?

To prevent the transmission of infections from patient to patient and to ensure the safety of medical care.

What is the difference between disinfection and sterilization?

Disinfection of surgical instruments kills some microorganisms, and sterilization of equipment destroys everything without a trace, including spores.

What types of sterilizers are used in hospitals?

Most often - autoclaves, dry heat sterilizers, less often - gas and plasma units.

Which instruments cannot be sterilized in an autoclave?

Plastic, latex, optics - everything that is afraid of high temperatures and moisture.

Conclusion

Sterilization of medical instruments plays a key role in the modern medical system, directly affecting the level of safety and sanitary reliability of medical practice. Competent selection of equipment and instrument processing methods allows you to minimize the risk of spreading hospital infections and strictly adhere to sanitary requirements. However, just purchasing a sterilizer is not enough - it is necessary to ensure its regular maintenance, training of medical personnel and systematic control over the implementation of all stages of the sterilization process.

So, what is sterilization? It is the protection of the patient, the reputation of the institution and the health of medical personnel. Choose only certified sterilizers, proven technologies and reliable suppliers.