Sterilization Standards FAQs
Below are the most common questions we receive about standards related to sterilization.
View our general standards FAQs here.
Can AAMI staff talk with The Joint Commission on behalf of my facility?
No.
Where can I find information on sterilization for dental practices?
Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information.
Where can I find information on sterilization of eye equipment or TASS?
Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Annex M.
Where can I find guidelines on endoscope processing?
Please see ANSI/AAMI ST91:2015: Flexible and Semi-Rigid Endoscope Processing in Health Care Facilities.
Where can I find information on instrument trays/wraps?
Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Sections 9.5 and 10.1.3.
Where can I find information on autoclaves?
Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Sections 10 and 12.
Where can I find information on pouches?
Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Sections 9.5.4 and 10.1.2.
Where can I find information on ultrasonic cleaners?
Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Sections 7.6.4.4 and 7.6.4.3.3, and Annex P.
Where can I find information on IUSS?
Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Sections 7.4.1, 9.3 and 13.3.3.
Where can I find information on instrument transportation/offsite sterilization?
Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Section 6.
Where can I find information on instrument tape?
Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Sections 7.4.1, 9.3 and 13.3.3.
Where can I find information on damages to packaging for sterilization?
Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Section 9.5.2.
Where can I find information on wet packs or evidence of moisture?
Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Sections 10.4, 13.9.4 and Annex O.
Where can I find information at deionized water/water for processing?
Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Section 3.3.3.1 and Annex M. Also, AAMI TIR34:2014/(R)2017, Water for the reprocessing of medical devices.
How long should we keep records?
Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Section 13.3.4.
Where can I find information on storage of instruments?
Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Section 11.
Where can I find information on returning unused equipment?
Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Sections 5.3, 13.5.2.2.2.
Where can I find information on humidity, ventilation, or temperature?
Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Sections 3.2.1.1, 3.3.5.5 and 3.3.6.1.1.
Where can I find information on separation of contamination & clean work?
Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Section 6.2.
Where can I find information on sinks?
Please see ANSI/AAMI ST79:2017, Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and sterility assurance in health care facilities for more information, Sections 3.2.1.2, 3.3.5.7, 3.3.6.1.1.