DECONTAMINATION & STERILISATION
integration also supports robust tracking and management practices that are essential for regulatory compliance, ensuring facilities maintain the highest standards of decontamination, while reducing department risk exposure during audits.
A commitment to proper dosing is also linked with sustainability efforts. Contemporary dosing solutions can be designed to use less chemicals and minimise excess waste, thereby reducing the environmental impact of cleaning operations. By embracing these practices, organisations can contribute to a greener future, while still maintaining the rigorous decontamination standards required in today’s healthcare and industrial settings. This is particularly relevant for NHS Trusts aiming to meet their Net Zero commitments by helping to reduce chemical and energy usage.
Central dosing systems A central dosing system supplies multiple washer- disinfectors and/or individual workstations from a single centralised storage and distribution point. These systems use large reservoirs containing concentrated cleaning agents, which are automatically distributed through a network of pipes and pumps. This type of system offers numerous advantages in
Adhering to manufacturers’ IFU dosing guidelines plays a crucial role in preventing chemical waste and reducing unnecessary expenditure.
leading to potential infection risks, while over-dosing may result in chemical residues, equipment degradation, and unnecessary expense. Accurate dosing in cleaning and disinfection processes is essential for achieving the highest levels of cleaning efficiency and overall performance. When detergents and disinfectants are dosed accurately, and in accordance with the manufacturers’ Instructions For Use (IFU), they work at their optimal efficacy, engaging their ability to remove both organic and inorganic contaminants from instruments. This precise application ensures that even the most stubborn residues are effectively eliminated, leading to a more thorough and reliable cleaning process. In addition to this, adhering to manufacturers’ IFU dosing guidelines plays a crucial role in preventing chemical waste and reducing unnecessary expenditure. The use of excessive cleaning agents not only incurs additional costs, but also poses a risk of damaging sensitive equipment. By maintaining the correct dosage, healthcare providers can avoid the pitfalls of overuse, and ensure that resources are utilised in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. This makes an important overall contribution to environmental and resource savings. The safety of healthcare workers is another important benefit of the use of a dosing system. The integration of automated dosing systems minimises the need for direct handling of chemicals, thereby reducing the risk of exposure to potentially harmful substances; with all chemistry being held within a central secure storage location – ultimately contributing to a safer working environment.
‘Smart’ technology Modern dosing systems often incorporate ‘smart’ technology and monitoring software, which provide the option of real-time feedback on chemical use. The information logged by dosing systems provides Sterile Service Managers with crucial insights for quality control, enabling them to identify trends, detect inefficiencies, and implement corrective measures sooner. This
34 Health Estate Journal September 2025
enhancing efficiency and ensuring safety in cleaning and decontamination processes. One of the key benefits is its ability to maintain consistent supply levels of cleaning agents throughout all connected reprocessing equipment. This level of uniformity guarantees that each instrument undergoes the same thorough decontamination procedure, reducing the potential for variation across different equipment, and improving the overall reliability of the process. In terms of cost-effectiveness, central dosing proves to be a more economical option in the long term. By purchasing cleaning agents in bulk, facilities can reduce the need for multiple small containers, significantly lowering costs. Additionally, this bulk purchasing approach helps cut down on packaging waste, contributing to a more sustainable operation. The system also reduces the frequency of deliveries, further minimising its environmental impact. Safety is another vital aspect positively impacted by central dosing systems. With their closed-loop design, these systems significantly reduce the risk of healthcare workers directly handling concentrated chemicals. This greatly diminishes the likelihood of exposure to hazardous substances, such as skin irritants or respiratory irritants, as well as the chance of accidental spills that could cause harm.
Another major advantage is the integration capabilities of modern central dosing systems. These systems can be connected to hospital and/or department networks, creating a more cohesive and efficient workflow across the facility, improving operational effectiveness. Central dosing systems, while beneficial in many
ways, come with certain considerations, such as space constraints that can pose a challenge for some facilities; a centralised system requires substantial space to store large chemical reservoirs, and the associated infrastructure and also requires ease of access. Restricted space can be a significant limitation unless adjustments can be made to the available infrastructure. An ongoing regular maintenance programme is crucial to ensuring the system continues to operate smoothly and effectively.
Dosing systems for smaller departments Smaller departments, clinics, or dental practices, may find it difficult to accommodate large dosing systems. Typically, these departments utilise the washer-disinfectors’ on-board
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