JSS Dental College and Hospital, Mysuru
CENTRAL STERILE SUPPLY DEPARTMENT (CSSD)
Infection control is of utmost importance for the success of any intervention/ surgical treatment. Sterilization is one of the important methods aiding in controlling infection. In JSSDCH sterilization is given utmost importance and is constantly monitored by infection control committee, which supervises the standard maintained in sterilization. A central sterilization and supply depot has been established in JSS Dental College and Hospital (JSSDCH). All the instruments of JSSDCH are processed (sterilized) in CSSD. The safety of the workers in Central Sterilization Supply Department (CSSD) is also given priority. The CSSD aims towards Minimize infection and minimal antibiotics.
Steps of instruments processing (sterilization)
At CSSD separate areas are designated for specific purpose during instrument processing.
Instrument cleaning area
Here, the instruments grossly washed at the respective departments are received safely. The instruments are subjected to ultrasonic cleaning with enzymatic solution inside the big ultrasonic bath, which removes microscopic contamination from instrument surfaces. The instruments are then subjected to chemical sterilization following which they are rinsed thoroughly, dried, sent to next compartment for packing.
Instruments packing area
After sterilization, the processed instruments are stored in sterile shelves from where they are issued to the concerned departments, where they are stored safely.
- Date of sterilization.
- Batch of sterilization.
- Person in charge of that batch sterilization.
- Which autoclave was used for sterilization?
- To which department the instrument belongs.
- Validity of the sterilized pouched instruments.
After packing and applying batch monitor the instruments are transferred to the sterilization area.
Sterilization zone
The pouched and labelled instruments received from the instrument packing area are arranged in a standardized manner over the instruments sterilization trolley. The working and quality efficiency of the autoclave is checked prior loading the instruments by a standardized, recommend test called Bowidick test. Once this test is passed, the instruments are loaded into the autoclave along with one more device called PCD (process challenge device) is placed in the middle of the instruments load to check the efficiency of steam penetration during the sterilization cycle. Once every week biological indicators are also used to check the efficiency of sterilization.
The quality check of sterilization is done by
- Colour indicator pouches
- Batch monitors
- Chemical indicators (Bowidick, PCD)
- Biological indicators
Sterile instruments storage area
After sterilization, the processed instruments are stored in sterile shelves from where they are issued to the concerned departments, where they are stored safely.
Documentation
- Each cycle of sterilization is recorded and documented
- Documentation of the instrument inward and outward movement
- At department level, documentation is done for every instrument used for every patient which will help in monitoring infection rates if any occur.
- Recall policy is also adopted.
- Periodic surveillance of all these activities is carried out by the infection control committee.