The AAMI ST108 is a newly published standard titled “Water for the Processing of Medical Devices”. It’s issued by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). It establishes clear, binding requirements for the quality of water used during medical procedures. This includes the processing (cleaning, rinsing, and sterilizing) of medical devices in healthcare settings.
- Water Quality Requirements: ST108 categorizes water used in medical device processing into three types; Utility Water (typically sourced from the tap), Critical Water (extensively treated to remove microorganisms and contaminants), and Steam (used in sterilization). Each category has specific quality criteria depending on the application.
- Risk Management: Facilities must establish a multidisciplinary team. This team is responsible for managing and monitoring water quality. The team ensures that it meets the necessary standards.
- Monitoring and Maintenance: Regular monitoring and maintenance of water systems are required. This ensures ongoing compliance with the standard. It also includes actions during emergencies like service interruptions or boil water advisories.
- Impact on Healthcare Facilities: Adoption of this standard is expected to significantly improve patient safety nationwide. It ensures that the water used in medical device reprocessing meets stringent quality criteria. This will reduce the risk of contamination and associated infections in all surgical settings.
This standard is a monumental development for healthcare facilities. It provides a highly structured approach to managing water quality. It also keeps with the goal of enhancing the safety and effectiveness of medical device processing.
In a surgical center, the importance of clean, safe water cannot be overstated. Water is a critical component in numerous medical procedures, sterilization processes, and everyday operations. Safeway Water Technologies specializes in providing top-of-the-line water filtration systems and services tailored specifically for surgical centers. Whether you are a dental facility, plastic surgeon, hospital or surgery center our systems ensure that the water used in your facility meets the highest standards of purity and safety. This protects both patients and staff from harmful contaminants. Safeway Water Technologies water filtration systems and services meet the guidelines for ST108. Call us today to get your business on the right track.