I would wish to know which are the parameter of reference for temperature and humidity in a sterilization center.

Alberto Franceschini

Italy

Dear Alberto,

In his article: "The structural and functional prerequisites for a central sterile supply department (CSSD)" - Central Service 3/2000 - R. Frey says, based on the German guidelines, the following:

To comply with the requirements calling for hypomicrobial processing while taking into account quality assurance dictates as well as the provisions of the workplace guidelines, the CSSD should have the following features:

• a positive air gradient from clean to unclean rooms
• external air current (circulating air also allowed) based on the level of pollutants, per person 40 - 60 m³/h (5)
• room air velocity (up to 20°C below 0.2m/sec) in order to prevent draughts (5)
• air purification by means of air filters of filter level 3. Particulate filters (packing/sterile supply area)
• maximal particulate count in clean rooms for 200 000 to 5 microns, for 45 000 to 10 microns and for 5000 to 25 microns (3)
• climatic conditions: 22 - 26°C, relative atmospheric humidity at least 30%, maximum 55 - 70 % (5)
• in changing rooms and toilets, 4 - 8-fold and 5-fold, respectively, air change (5)

Ideal room temperatures are between + 19 and + 25°C and should be maintained from the beginning to the end of work.

References

1. (3) Zastrow, KD: Funktionelle und bauliche Gestaltung einer ZSVA.
   In: Weinig F, Hahnen K (Hrsg) "Handbuch Sterilisation"
   3. Auflage: 3M Medica 1999:226
2. (5) Arbeitsstättenrichtlinien in der Bekanntmachung des Bundesministeriums fur Arbeits- und Sozialordnung, veröffentlicht im Bundesarbeitsblatt, Loseblattsammlung in der jeweils gültigen Fassung.

I hope this helps you.
Kind regards,
Wim Renders