Why ST108 Compliance is Critical for Hospitals
The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) developed the ST108 standard to establish strict water quality guidelines for sterile processing and medical device reprocessing in healthcare facilities. Poor water quality can lead to:- Inadequate sterilization – Residual contaminants can compromise the effectiveness of disinfectants and sterilization processes.
- Instrument corrosion and damage – Hard water, chlorine, and dissolved solids cause pitting, spotting, and degradation of surgical tools.
- Microbial contamination – Bacteria, endotoxins, and organic matter can remain on medical instruments, increasing infection risks.
- Regulatory non-compliance – Hospitals failing to meet ST108 water quality standards risk fines, citations, and patient safety violations.
Key Steps to Implement ST108 Water Quality Standards
Implementing ST108 water quality standards in a hospital’s sterile processing department requires a strategic approach that includes water testing, treatment system upgrades, and continuous monitoring.1. Assess Current Water Quality
Hospitals must conduct a comprehensive water analysis to identify:- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) – Measures inorganic salts and minerals that can cause residue buildup.
- Hardness Levels – Calcium and magnesium can lead to scaling and equipment damage.
- Chlorine & Chloramine Levels – Can corrode stainless steel instruments and interfere with sterilization.
- Microbial Contamination – Includes bacteria, endotoxins, and organic residues that can compromise sterilization.
2. Upgrade Water Treatment Infrastructure
To meet ST108 standards, hospitals and surgical centers require specialized water treatment systems that ensure high-purity water for sterile processing. The most effective solutions include:- Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems – Removes up to 98% of total dissolved solids (TDS), bacteria, and endotoxins to ensure ultra-pure water.
- Deionization (DI) Systems – Achieves ultra-low conductivity water, removing minerals that can interfere with sterilization.
- Carbon Filtration – Eliminates chlorine and chloramines, which can corrode surgical instruments.
- Ultraviolet (UV) Sterilization – Neutralizes bacteria and viruses, preventing biofilm formation.
- Water Softening – Prevents scaling and mineral deposits on instruments and sterilization equipment.
3. Establish Routine Monitoring & Compliance Checks
ST108 compliance is not a one-time process—it requires ongoing monitoring to ensure water quality remains within required parameters. Hospitals should implement:- Daily, weekly, and monthly water testing for microbial levels, TDS, and hardness.
- Automated water monitoring systems to provide real-time data on water quality.
- Regular equipment maintenance to prevent system failures and ensure consistent compliance.
4. Train Hospital Staff on Water Quality Management
Sterile processing technicians, biomedical engineers, and maintenance teams should be trained on:- Proper water sampling techniques to ensure accurate testing.
- ST108 compliance requirements and how water impacts medical device sterilization.
- Equipment maintenance best practices to keep water treatment systems operating efficiently.
5. Work with a Trusted Water Treatment Partner
Implementing ST108 compliance requires expertise in customized water treatment solutions. Hospitals should partner with a specialized water treatment provider that understands healthcare regulations, sterile processing requirements, and long-term system maintenance.Why WaterProfessionals is the Best Partner for ST108 Compliance
WaterProfessionals is the industry leader in ST108-compliant water treatment solutions, helping hospitals and surgical centers achieve and maintain the highest water quality standards for sterile processing. We provide fully customized, turn-key solutions that ensure regulatory compliance, equipment longevity, and patient safety.- Dedicated Expert Advisors – Your water professional will be your expert advisor from consultation through ongoing maintenance, ensuring a seamless experience.
- 42+ Years of Water Treatment Experience – We have successfully helped thousands of hospitals and surgical centers implement high-purity water solutions.
- Real Human Support – No automated phone systems—always speak directly with an experienced water treatment expert.
- Flexible Acquisition Options – Choose from purchase, lease, rental, or own-operate models to fit your facility’s budget.
- Unbiased Equipment Selection – Unlike manufacturers that push their own brand, we source from multiple top-tier manufacturers to recommend the best solution for your specific needs. Where necessary, WaterProfessionals can design and build systems for very unique applications.
- Water Treatment is Our Sole Focus – Unlike general suppliers, our team is 100% dedicated to water treatment, ensuring hospitals receive the most advanced, compliant, and reliable solutions.
- Fast, Decisive Issue Resolution – No corporate red tape—we act quickly and decisively to resolve any compliance or maintenance issues before they impact your hospital operations.
Ensure Your Hospital is Fully ST108 Compliant Today
Meeting ST108 water quality standards is essential for hospital accreditation, regulatory compliance, and patient safety. Failure to comply can lead to instrument damage, sterilization failures, and increased infection risks. Contact WaterProfessionals today to schedule a consultation and let our water treatment experts design a custom ST108-compliant system for your hospital or surgical center. We will:- Assess your current water quality
- Recommend the best filtration and purification solutions
- Provide full installation, training, and long-term support
