AAMI Updates Sterilization Standards: The Critical Need for Continuous Monitoring of Toxic Sterilants
March 31, 2025
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) has taken a major step forward in protecting healthcare professionals by updating its sterilization standards to recommend continuous monitoring of toxic sterilants. This update recognizes the risks posed by low-temperature sterilants such as Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) and Ethylene Oxide (EtO), as well as liquid chemical sterilants like Peracetic Acid (PAA).
Why This Update Matters
Sterilization is a critical process in healthcare and laboratory environments, ensuring that medical instruments and devices are free from harmful pathogens. However, many sterilization methods rely on hazardous chemicals that, if not properly managed, pose serious risks to workers' health. EtO, H2O2, and PAA are powerful sterilants, but exposure to these chemicals can cause acute and long-term health effects, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even cancer.
The new AAMI guidance underscores the necessity of real-time, continuous monitoring in healthcare facilities to minimize exposure risks and enhance worker safety. By implementing continuous gas detection systems, hospitals and sterile processing departments can ensure compliance with evolving safety standards while protecting their workforce.
The Dangers of Toxic Sterilant Exposure
While sterilants play a vital role in infection prevention, over exposure or inadequate monitoring can lead to:
- Occupational exposure risks, even at low concentrations, chronic exposure to sterilant gases can lead to serious health conditions.
- Agencies like OSHA, NIOSH, and EPA have strict exposure limits for toxic sterilants, and facilities must stay compliant to avoid penalties.
- Undetected leaks or overexposure can force temporary shutdowns, affecting patient care and productivity.
How Continuous Monitoring Enhances Safety
Continuous monitoring solutions, such as ChemDAQ’s continuous gas detection systems, provide essential protection by:
- Detecting leaks before they become hazardous with immediate alerts ensures prompt action to mitigate exposure.
- Maintaining compliance with safety regulations with data logging and reporting help demonstrate adherence to updated AAMI guidelines and regulatory standards.
- Healthcare professionals and sterile processing staff can focus on their jobs without fear of unknown exposure.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
AAMI’s commitment to updating sterilization standards is a positive step for the industry, but it also signals a growing need for proactive safety measures. By adopting continuous monitoring technology, facilities can not only meet new recommendations but also create a safer, more efficient work environment.
To learn more about AAMI’s updated guidelines, read the full article here: AAMI Update on Hospital Chemical Sterilization or to watch the video.
At ChemDAQ, we’re proud to support healthcare facilities with cutting-edge monitoring solutions that help protect workers from hazardous chemical exposure. If you're looking to enhance safety in your facility, contact us today to discuss how real-time monitoring can benefit your team.