Acute care hospitals are increasingly expected to demonstrate how sterile processing water is defined, monitored and managed. With AAMI ST108 and evolving Joint Commission expectations, teams need a clear, documented and defensible approach.
When gaps in visibility, ownership or documentation exist, Nalco Water helps move teams from uncertainty to a defined, visible program that supports consistency and survey readiness.
ANSI/AAMI ST108:2023 establishes a new framework for how water in medical device processing is managed, monitored and documented.
Facilities are expected to:
At the same time, Joint Commission surveys can occur within unannounced windows, with ongoing preparation and real impact to operations and accreditation.
Bottom line: teams must be ready to prove control at any time.
Across Infection Prevention, SPD and Facilities teams, gaps in visibility, ownership and documentation make it difficult to consistently monitor water quality, respond to issues and demonstrate control during audits.
Nalco Water provides a structured water management program that helps bring clarity and consistency to sterile processing. With defined protocols for testing, monitoring, documentation and response, teams gain the visibility and alignment needed to support AAMI ST108 expectations and survey readiness.
Water Purification Equipment and Services
Strengthening compliance and reducing risk
Improving operations and visibility
A. Surveyors generally look for traceability and consistency. They often look for a clear line from water system design to point-of-use in the processing of reusable medical devices, with defined sampling, limits and repeatable response actions. The focus is on whether the process is understood and consistently followed.
A. Gaps often show up at the point of use. Water treated upstream may not be verified consistently where it’s used in instrument reprocessing. Other breakdowns include inconsistent sampling, unclear ownership across teams and limited visibility into performance over time.
A. ST108 outlines a more structured, risk-based approach. It includes defining water types (utility, critical, steam), establishing baseline data and moving to routine chemical and microbiological testing. It also drives closer coordination across SPD, Facilities and Infection Prevention.
A. Water should be fit-for-purpose at the point of application (final rinse, ultrasonic cleaning or steam). This typically includes defined sampling locations, consistent testing protocols and visibility into water quality where devices are processed.
A. Teams may be asked to produce a clear, end-to-end record of their program, including water management plan, sampling schedule, test results, excursions and documented response actions. Surveyors are looking for continuity over time and evidence the system remains in a state of control.
A. Many teams know they need to prove control, but don’t yet have a clear, connected way to do it. The pressure comes from survey readiness, unannounced reviews and the need to align a multidisciplinary water management team around a single, defensible approach.
A. Critical water is used in final rinse and other high-risk steps in medical device reprocessing. It is generally held to tighter quality specifications and should be monitored consistently for fitness for use at the point of application.
Move from reactive to ready
Sterile processing water is under increased scrutiny—and expectations are rising.
Nalco Water helps you implement a defined program with the testing, documentation and visibility needed to support consistent outcomes and demonstrate control when it matters most.
Please contact us for more information regarding our Water Safety programs, products, consulting and remedial services. We have a dedicated team of experts with practical experience to help you prepare a sustainable strategy to manage risk of waterborne pathogens associated with utility cooling and potable (drinking) water systems.
Nalco Water
1601 W. Diehl Road
Naperville, Il 60563
Nalco Water Customer Service: +1-800-288-0879
