Your peace of mind is important to us
Sterilisation and Hygiene
At Glide Podiatry and Orthotics, your health and safety are our top priorities. We understand the importance of maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and sterilisation, particularly when it comes to the instruments used in your podiatric care. To reassure you of our commitment to your safety, we strictly adhere to the Australian standards for autoclave sterilisation.
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An autoclave is a specialised device used to sterilise medical instruments by using high-pressure saturated steam at temperatures of 121-134°C. This process ensures the complete elimination of all forms of microbial life, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores.
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Australia has stringent guidelines and standards for the sterilisation of medical instruments. These standards are outlined in the AS/NZS 4815:2006 and AS/NZS 4187:2014 documents, which specify the requirements for the reprocessing of reusable medical and surgical instruments.
Key aspects of these standards include:
1: Pre-cleaning and Disinfection: Instruments must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any debris before being placed in the autoclave. This involves manual cleaning or using ultrasonic cleaners to ensure all contaminants are removed. At Glide Podiatry, we take extra precaution by performing both manual cleaning and ultrasonic cleans.
2: Packaging: Clean instruments are packaged in specialised materials that allow steam penetration and maintain sterility after the process. This often includes the use of sterilisation pouches or wraps.
3: Sterilisation Process: Instruments are placed in the autoclave, where they undergo a precise cycle of steam sterilisation. The cycle parameters are carefully controlled to meet the required temperature and pressure for a specified duration, ensuring effective sterilisation.
4: Monitoring and Validation: The sterilisation process is rigorously monitored through the use of chemical indicators, biological indicators, and process challenge devices to ensure that each cycle meets the necessary standards. Regular validation and maintenance of autoclave equipment are mandatory to ensure ongoing compliance.
5: Documentation: Detailed records of each sterilisation cycle are maintained, including date, time, operator, and the results of monitoring tests. This traceability ensures accountability and adherence to the highest standards of care.
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At Glide Podiatry and Orthotics, we have implemented these protocols to ensure that every instrument used in your treatment is sterile and safe. Our staff are trained in the latest sterilisation techniques which have been updated in 2024, and we routinely audit our procedures to maintain the highest level of hygiene and safety.
We invite you to ask any questions you may have about our sterilisation processes. Your peace of mind is important to us, and we are committed to providing you with the safest and most effective podiatric care.
