Central Sterilization Department

The structure of the central sterilisation unit is tailored to the specific nature of the healthcare facility and the volume of items coming in for sterilisation. The CSD is planned in such a way as to optimise the time required to carry out technological operations and to eliminate possible errors due to the so-called "human factor".

The organization of the central sterilization department solves the tasks of creating sanitary zonality: achieving absolute sterility in the autoclave room and in the warehouse of materials prepared for delivery, as well as maintaining increased sterility in conditionally clean zones. Dirty areas are separated from clean and sterile sanitary facilities and function without direct contact with them.

Procedure for the operation of the CSD

Medical supplies move from the dirty area to the sterile area and from the sterile area to the clean area.

Special sanitary regimes in the CSD eliminate the free movement of personnel and items from one area to another, which, together with strict compliance with the sequence of cleaning of items, virtually eliminates the "human factor".

The structure of a central sterilisation department organized according to a standard layout includes functional rooms and sectors divided into three types.

The "dirty area" includes: material receiving, manual instrument washing, and automated washing systems (washer-disinfectors).

The core of the CSD consists of the sterilization room and the sterile storage area. In some cases, the sterile storage area is supplemented with dedicated rooms (separate sections) for instrument repair and sharpening, as well as for the assembly and packaging of materials and linen. 

The clean area of the CSD starts immediately after the sterile area and includes: an area for picking up materials before dispensing and an area for dispensing sterile items connected to the clean trolley storage area.

In addition, the clean area includes various auxiliary rooms and storage areas (staff room, chemical storage, packaging material storage, etc.).

Modern requirements for the design of the CSD

• The central sterilization department should be designed as a single, integrated complex. The layout of the premises, equipment configuration, and engineering systems should be planned to ensure maximum medical ergonomics of all work processes without disrupting the established workflow of the CSD;
• The central sterilization department should be equipped with the most efficient equipment. Many designers focus primarily on productivity, completely overlooking efficiency — the combination of the equipment’s operational characteristics — which is absolutely unacceptable;
• Equal attention should be paid to the furniture used in the CSD. Special tables and worktables with integrated lighting have been developed specifically for sterilization departments and should not be replaced with other types of furniture. At the same time, general lighting should provide good visibility without being excessively bright.