Navigating AAMI ST108 Water Quality Requirements for Safe Processing of Medical Devices.

Abstract

Water quality plays a critical role in health care, particularly in the processing of medical devices. This article highlights the infection control risks associated with water sources and the regulatory requirements for water management plans in health care facilities. The guidance on water quality has evolved from the initial technical information report provided by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation in 2014 to the more recent 2023 publication of the American National Standards Institute and Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation standard for water used in medical device processing. The new standard emphasizes the importance of consistent water and steam quality in instrument processing and outlines the chemical and microbiological parameters for water quality. This article also addresses the challenges of implementing these standards, discusses the implications for patient safety and instrument integrity, and provides strategies for health care teams to ensure compliance.