Mark N Mettle says...
THE SCIENCE OF STERILIZATION IS UNIVERSAL
In order to fully understand the above statement, let us first look at the key words in the statement.
According to the Encarta Dictionary, Science is the study of the physical and natural world and phenomena, especially using systematic observation and experiment. It also defines universal as relating to, affecting or accepted by the whole world or everyone in a group or situation. The central service technician manual(7th edition) also defines Sterilization as the process by which all forms of microbial life including bacteria, viruses, spores and fungi are completely destroyed.
From the above definitions, then we can say “the science of sterilization is universal means the study of the physical and natural process by which all forms of microbial life including bacteria, viruses, spores and fungi are completely destroyed, is accepted by the whole world or everyone in the group (health care industry)”.
Even though the type of facility may vary, the science behind cleaning, disinfection and sterilization does not change, nor does the need for knowledge of medical terms and skills related to the human relations, quality and customer service. The are different work functions when it comes to sterilization like, decontamination, preparation/ packaging / sterilization and sterile storage.
The decontamination area is where all soiled instruments and other items are received from user departments and by physical and chemical process, these soiled items that may be contaminated with harmful microbes, are rendered safe for further handling. It also involves a thorough cleaning process that may be accomplished by manual cleaning and/or with mechanical washers. Everyone who comes in the decontamination area must wear the full personal protective equipment (PPE). When items are safe to handle they are delivered to the preparation and packaging area. Here, the items are inspected for cleanliness, proper function and possible defects. They are assembled into sets and then packaged and labeled in preparation for sterilization. Finally at the sterile storage area, the sterilized items are received, stored and dispensed appropriately. In the sterilization process, you always need one work flow from the contaminated or dirty area to the clean and sterile area. Again, every equipment or instrument that needs to be sterilized must first be cleaned.
Sterilization is done on reusable instruments and equipment and they all follow the basic standards. In addition, clean and sterile instruments are always kept away from the contaminated ones and vice versa. Since, the basic sterilization process never changes, though the facilities might, and after considering all the above, we can conclude that “The science of sterilization is universal”.

Ivan says...
The department of Central sterile Service is one of 1st line of defense in preventing secondary infections and promoting asepsis .Breaking the chain of infection whether bacterial , viral ,or fungal is the core principal task of central sterile technician .Sterility is strictly monitored by mechanical, chemical and biological methods for quality assurance in accordance with AAMI, AORN, JOINT COMMISSION and ANSI reconmended standrds for steam ,eto,ozone , or gas plasma .In addition we must make sure that we have enough supplies to handle the demands of our customers like OR,AMBULATORY ,ETC.

ROBERT KANNIATEY WEITTEY says...
SCIENCE is study of living and non-living things through experimentation, observation and analyzing, passing through laboratory instruments. Science of sterilization is define as the processes undergone to attain prevention or elimination of microbial live including spores from healthcare delivery instruments, devices and equipment.
This is achieved by; cleaning, decontamination, preparation, packaging, sterilization, sterile storage and distribution. STERILIZATION is a process whereby all microbial lives including spores are completely killed. Alternatively, IS THE ACT of abiding by all laid down principles and procedures (protocols) to maintaining asepsis to the expectation of both the internal and external customers. UNIVERSAL is the standardized practices acceptable everywhere (clinics, dental, ASCs, third party, OR, etc.) healthcare reusable equipment are reprocessed.
BODY.
As the science goes so do the various establishments such as OR, clinics, ASCs etc. The gross soiled instruments undergo pre cleaning at the point of use. Further cleaning and decontamination is continued in the decontamination area of central service department in a standardized cleaning method. The optimal water temperature is between 109 Deg.F-140Deg.F. The room temperature, air exchange and humidity are all monitored. The equipment is either manually or mechanically cleaned per instruments manufacturers’ recommendations. Appropriate germicidal detergents or disinfectants are used.
PREPARATION AND PACKAGING is carried out accordingly in a universally acceptable manner. Packaged items are loaded to maintain and allow sterilant penetration and enhance drying of trays.
All THREE CONDITIONS necessary for sterility assurance (BIs, CIs and PHYSICAL MONITORs) must be in place. Before, during and after sterilization, technicians must continuously monitor mechanical indicator for effective temperature, pressure and time outcomes before releasing the loads. After the sterilization, process challenge devices are tested for sterility assurance.
IN CONCLUSION, all these principles and procedures (PROTOCOLS) are universally (clinics, dentals, third party, ASCs, ORs, VA and Instruments manufacturers) binding practices.

STANLEY.E.O says...
THE SCIENCE OF STERILIZATION IS UNIVERSAL: In order to understand this statement, we must understand and know the meaning of the words STERILIZATION and UNIVERSALITY. The Dictionary, defines universal as any theory or standard accepted by the whole world or everyone in a group or situation, it also defines sterilization as the state of being sterile, but in this case of study, we will use the definition from The central service technician manual (7th edition), which defines Sterilization as the process by which all forms of microbial life including bacteria, viruses, spores and fungi are completely destroyed. From this definition, we could say “the science of sterilization is universal means the study of the physical and natural process by which all forms of microbial life are completely destroyed, is accepted by health care facilities.
However, with my above statement, and comment from my other student colleges, I would like to say I disagree with the statement that the science of sterilization is universal…in one of the comment, which state that sterilization is universal because it is accepted by all health facilities and all process of sterilization are the same. But its stated in the CRCST manual(7th edition),chapter 23.pages 460 made it clear that the VETERANS ADMINISTRATION(VA) which is also a healthcare facility has its own Practice and standards which differs from other healthcare facilities, also its certification differ from other facilities.
Furthermore, most practice in which the VA differs from healthcare facilities sterilization process includes; third party reprocessors, which are not used by the VA but by other facilities. VA facilities use the services of VA if additional sterilization must be performed.
With this, I conclude that the science of sterilization is not universal.

Gloria says...
The importance of providing quality and performing what is required to service health facilities is universal. Although the need for Central Service Technicians will continue to grow globally, the science of sterile processing remains the same. The standards and recommended practices that (AAMI) provides makes it a universal science. This class not only helped me learn the essentials of becoming a Central Service Technician, but also opened up my eyes to the various opportunities within the medical industry. The opportunity to grow as a Central Service Technician is endless, and inspires me to keep climbing the ladder. The most important step to sterile processing is to stop an infection from occurring. The ultimate goal is to help patients go through a speedy recovery without any possible complications of the spread of infection, due to not implementing the proper sterilization methods.

Luc Jean philippe says...
To understand how the science of sterilization is universal we must first know what is sterilization. Sterilization is the process by which all forms of microbial life including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and spores are completely destroyed. With that said, there are certain guidelines and standards that must be followed when working in central service. These guidelines are set up by governmental and professional agencies, that provide regulatory,and voluntary recommended practices. We have the FDA,which is a governmental agency that regulates sterilants, provides pre and post market requirements, and medical recalls. We also have AAMiI, a professional agency that provides standards on how instruments are reprocessed. This science is universal because these are practices that are done all over the world to maintain a state of asepsis. These are practiced because they work, and not following these guidelines could lead to serious infections including death. Working in central one must follow the universal ways of sterilizing.