Sterilization techniques of anesthetic and critical care equipment – A review

Abstract

Disinfection and sterilization are important and core steps in healthcare system. The infection control is not only for the benefit of the patient but presently it is a medico legally held responsible. One should have adequate knowledge about the sterilization of equipment. Although various disposable single use materials are present in healthcare system it will not be a cost effective method especially for the developing and underdeveloped countries. Inadequate knowledge will lead to hospital acquired infections and may also lead to life threatening cross infections. A proper infection control team and multidisciplinary approach will help to counter the infections in a scientific and cost effective way. This article describes various methods used for sterilization and also describes various commonly used equipment and their sterilization techniques.