The Sterilized Material Center (CME) is a fundamental sector in any health institution, being responsible for the cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of materials used in medical and surgical procedures. The CME in Nursing course ranges from basic concepts to advanced practices, ensuring that professionals are able to perform their duties efficiently and safely.
To ensure the quality and safety of processes, there are recommended practices at CME that must be strictly followed. These practices range from the preparation of the environment to the quality control of the sterilization processes.
1. Environment Preparation
The CME must be organized in different areas for reception, cleaning, preparation, sterilization and storage of materials. This physical separation is essential to prevent cross-contamination. In addition, the environment must be kept clean and dust-free, with adequate temperature and humidity control.
2. Receipt and Cleaning of Materials
The materials must be received in a specific area, where they will be inspected and classified according to the level of dirt. Cleaning the materials is a crucial step, as the presence of organic matter can interfere with the effectiveness of sterilization. Cleaning can be done manually or using special washing machines, always using suitable cleaning solutions.
3. Preparation and Packaging of Materials
After cleaning, the materials must be carefully inspected and prepared for sterilization. This includes checking items for integrity and functionality, kitting and packaging materials. The packages used must allow the penetration of the sterilizing agent and maintain the sterility of the material after the process.
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4. Sterilization
Sterilization is the process of eliminating all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores. There are different methods of sterilization, such as moist heat (autoclave), dry heat (oven) and gas sterilization (ethylene oxide, formaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide). The choice of method depends on the type of material to be sterilized and the manufacturer's recommendations.
5. Storage and Distribution
After sterilization, the materials must be stored in a clean, dry place, protected from direct light. Storage should be organized to ensure inventory rotation, using the "first in, first out" principle. The distribution of materials must be done safely, avoiding contamination of the sterilized material.
6. Quality Control
Quality control is an essential part of best practices at CME. This includes monitoring cleaning and sterilization processes, checking package integrity, and conducting biological and chemical tests to ensure sterilization effectiveness. In addition, it is important to keep accurate records of all activities carried out at the CME.
Best practices in CME are essential to ensure patient safety and quality of care. Therefore, the CME in Nursing course is an excellent opportunity for professionals to update themselves and improve their skills in this very important area.
