Taking ST58 Off the Page and Into the SPD

AAMI ST58 is an essential standard for chemical sterilization and high-level disinfection, but it too often lives on paper rather than in practice.

In real-world Sterile Processing Departments (SPDs), teams face daily challenges that make implementing ST58 easier said than done. From staffing shortages and time pressures to inconsistent training and PPE fatigue, the gap between what the standard says and what actually happens on the floor can quietly grow.

What Is AAMI ST58?

AAMI ST58 is a nationally recognized standard that provides guidance for the safe and effective use of chemical sterilants and high-level disinfectants in healthcare settings. Its primary focus is protecting both patients and healthcare workers.

The standard addresses key areas such as:

• Chemical exposure risks and health effects
• Ventilation and engineering controls
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Work practices and workflows
• Staff training and competency
• Monitoring, documentation, and compliance

ST58 applies to commonly used chemicals in SPDs, including ethylene oxide (EtO), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), peracetic acid (PAA), and other sterilants and disinfectants. Understanding the science behind these chemicals is critical to applying the standard correctly.

Where Theory Meets Reality

While ST58 outlines critical guidance for worker safety, ventilation, chemical exposure, and process controls, SPDs often struggle with:

• Training gaps caused by turnover, limited onboarding time, or inconsistent education
• PPE compliance challenges, especially during high-volume periods
• Workflow pressures that force teams to prioritize speed over best practice
• Implementation confusion, particularly around chemical monitoring, exposure limits, and documentation

These challenges don’t stem from a lack of care; they stem from real operational constraints.

Why Misunderstanding ST58 Is Risky

When the science behind chemical sterilization isn’t fully understood, compliance gaps and unsafe practices can quietly take hold. The risks may not be loud, but they’re just as dangerous, impacting both patient safety and the long-term health of SPD professionals.

That’s why education and open discussion matter.

Join the AAMI ST58 Roundtable CE Webinar

To bridge the gap between theory and practice, ChemDAQ and ASSI are hosting a CE-credited AAMI ST58 Roundtable Webinar on February 17th at 11:00 AM ET.

This interactive session is designed to address real-world SPD challenges, not textbook scenarios. You’ll hear practical insights, share experiences, and learn how peers are navigating ST58 implementation amid today’s pressures.

What to expect:

• Honest discussion about training and compliance challenges
• Practical approaches to PPE use and workflow realities
• Insights into chemical exposure awareness and monitoring
• CE credit for your participation

ST58 shouldn’t be something teams struggle to interpret; it should be something they can confidently apply.

Register for the AAMI ST58 Roundtable CE Webinar and take ST58 off the page and into your SPD.