Sterilization methods
can be divided into two categories: Centralized and decentralized.
A centralized processing department is designed to serve a large volume and can be
located within the operating room. Smaller hospitals sometimes utilize a centralized processing department that serves the entire facility. Centralized instrument processing can
employ an assortment of sterilization processes. The two most common methods include
steam sterilization and ethylene oxide (EtO) sterilization. Autoclaves are devices that sterilize
instruments using steam, with temperature, exposure time, and pressure as variables.
Variables in EtO sterilization are EtO gas concentration, moisture, temperature, and time.
Dry-heat sterilization and chemical sterilization are other methods of instrument processing
that can be utilized in health care facilities.
Decentralized instrument processing is the practice of sterilizing instruments inside, or
within the immediate proximity of, a surgical suite. Perhaps the most common method