Central Sterile Supply

Abstract

Centralization of production packs for aseptic techniques and of sterilization processes has a number of advantages. Nursing time is saved, aseptic techniques are safer and can be standardized throughout a hospital, area or region, and to some extent nationally. Sterilization processes are more effectively controlled and consequently safer. Reduction in cross-infection may also have occurred, but this is hard to demonstrate. The scope of sterile supply services has changed considerably during the time they have been in operation. They have taken over a greater variety of materials for processing, while disposables now replace some of the items which were once the main source of work in central sterile supply departments. Changes continue to take place, and local enthusiasms lead to departments being developed along different lines.