AAMI ST58: Chemical Monitoring Compliance Made Clear
How ChemDAQ and Clinical Assessments Help Drive Safer Workflows in Sterile Processing
Are you confident in your chemical monitoring program?
Sterile Processing Departments(SPDs) play a critical role in infection prevention, and when chemical sterilants and high-level disinfectants are involved, safety considerations must be made to protect both patients and SPD team members. That’s why AAMI ST58 exists - to provide clear guidance for the safe, effective, and compliant use of these powerful chemicals.
But even with the right intentions, implementing ST58 correctly can be complex. That’s where ChemDAQ’s chemical monitoring systems and a clinical assessment from Advantage Support Services can make a measurable difference.
Why AAMI ST58 Is Critical - And Where Gaps Often Appear
AAMI ST58 offers a robust framework that covers every facet of chemical reprocessing, from ventilation and PPE to staff training and documentation. Yet in real-world practice, gaps often appear in areas like:
- Routine chemical exposure monitoring
- Consistent documentation of high level disinfectants (HLD) use
- Real-time detection of unsafe vapor levels
- Staff understanding of proper handling and safety protocols
These gaps aren’t just a compliance concern, they represent real safety risks to the technicians working with chemical sterilants and high-level disinfectants such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and peracetic acid (PAA).
ChemDAQ: Making Exposure Monitoring Proactive
ChemDAQ’s vapor monitoring systems are designed to continuously track airborne chemical vapor levels, ensuring ST58 compliance while directly protecting frontline workers.
Here’s how ChemDAQ supports AAMI ST58 aligned workflows:
- Real-time exposure alerts keep staff safe before thresholds are exceeded
- Data logging and reporting ensure clear records of chemical exposure
- Monitoring across multiple reprocessing areas ensures facility-wide compliance
- Integration with safety protocols reduces staff exposure and response times
By embedding ChemDAQ into your reprocessing workflow, you're transforming chemical safety from reactive to proactive.
Advantage Support Services: Bridging the Compliance Gap
Even with the best technology, standards like ST58 require structured implementation and staff alignment. That’s where Advantage Support Services comes in.
Their clinical assessments offer a comprehensive review of your current chemical reprocessing practices to identify gaps, reduce risk, and improve safety across your SPD.
A clinical assessment typically includes:
- A full workflow evaluation based on AAMI ST58 standards<
- On-site observations and interviews with SPD staff
- Evaluation of current chemical monitoring procedures and chemical safety protocols
- Customized action plans to improve compliance and minimize risk
- Training recommendations to close knowledge or process gaps
Whether you're preparing for an accreditation survey or improving internal safety culture, this type of clinical support can help ensure your department is both compliant and confident.
Why It All Matters: Worker Safety and Peace of Mind
Aligning your workflows with AAMI ST58 isn't just about passing a survey, it’s about protecting the people who work with hazardous chemicals every day.
When ChemDAQ is used for real-time vapor detection, and Advantage Support Services provides structured clinical insight, your department experiences:
- Reduced exposure incidents
- Streamlined documentation and audit readiness
- Improved staff confidence and training consistency
- A safer, more resilient work environment
Take the Next Step Toward Safer Reprocessing
If your facility is using chemical sterilants and/or high-level disinfectants, now is the time to assess your chemical monitoring workflow. ChemDAQ provides the technology to protect your team, while a clinical assessment from Advantage Support Services ensures your processes meet the standard set by AAMI ST58.
Safety starts with insight, and compliance starts with action. Let’s make chemical reprocessing safer, together.
To learn more about AAMI ST58, don't forget to sign up for The Advantage Workshop on September 3rd at 3:00EST as we Clear The Air with Alex Hilliker!