The healthcare industry has very specific requirements for materials used to create tools, devices, storage, pipes and other components that help doctors and other medical professionals keep patients healthy. Today we will look at why stainless steel is one of the most popular materials and how to care for stainless steel to ensure lasting safety in medical environments.
KEY STAINLESS STEEL TRAITS
Few materials are as perfect for a medical procedure as stainless steel. Its corrosion resistance ensures its safe use in sensitive operations and processes, while also helping to create durable, long-lasting tools and equipment. The ability to withstand extreme temperatures also means the device is easy to disinfect and can be used in a variety of situations. Finally, its smooth surface and ease of cleaning make it the perfect material for everything from tubing and tools to storage and bed construction.
COMMON USES FOR STAINLESS STEEL IN HEALTHCARE
This flexibility means you’ll find stainless steel throughout both patient care facilities -- such as hospitals and health clinics -- and the businesses supporting healthcare professionals -- such as pharmaceutical manufacturers and medical laboratories. It’s even used in medical implants.
The following are some of the common places you’ll see stainless steel in use:
Wheelchairs and walkers
IV stands
Orthopedic implants
Artificial heart valves
Medical beds
Sensor probes
Catheters
Precision tubing
Prostheses
Specialty guide wires
Medical needles and syringes
Bone fixation equipment, screws, and plates
Chemical containers and Hazardous waste containers
Sinks, bowls, countertops, tool carts, trays
Surgical equipment such as scalpels, clamps, curettes, and spreaders
CLEANING AND SANITIZATION RECOMMENDATIONS FOR STAINLESS STEEL
NOTE:
The passivation layer on stainless steel is one of the biggest reasons it is so popular in medical applications. While viruses and other contaminants can build up on surfaces like any other material, this layer ensures that surfaces are smooth and easy to clean. All are free of scarring, corrosion problems, and other texture abnormalities in materials that can cause bacterial growth and cleaning problems. Therefore, soap and water are usually sufficient to clean surfaces of common dirt, debris, dust, and other deposits.
Cleaning stainless steel can simply be thoroughly rinsed with warm soapy water and thoroughly rinsed. There is also a line of special stainless steel cleaners.
Stainless steel is well resistant to many different chemicals and cleaners. The biggest concern is the abrasive. Never use steel wool or high abrasive scrubs on stainless steel, as this can damage the passivation layer and lead to corrosion or contamination of the underlying metal.
If this condition persists for an extended period of time, surface grooves and irregularities can also breed bacteria, further inhibiting cleanliness and hygiene. For smaller stainless steel items dry heat or wet heat sterilization provides the ability to efficiently clean multiple items simultaneously. Examples of this method include autoclaves and desiccant disinfectants.