Low-Temperature Sterilizers and Ultrasonic Cleaners

Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of low-temperature sterilization technologies, including various gas and vapor systems, their cycle parameters, and safety protocols. The course also delves into the physics and application of ultrasonic cleaning, exploring machine components, cavitation principles, and optimal usage for instrument reprocessing. Emphasis is placed on preventative maintenance, common malfunctions, and effective troubleshooting techniques for both equipment types. Regulatory standards, quality assurance practices, and documentation requirements will also be integrated. Upon completion, students will be proficient in operating, maintaining, and ensuring the reliable performance of these critical sterile processing devices.

InstructorJacob Calhoun

Prerequisites

SPD 101

Course outline

Lectures, virtual labs, and graded assignments — completed in your browser.

01Lesson 1: Introduction to Low-Temperature Sterilization Technologieslecture

02Lesson 2: Ethylene Oxide (EO) Sterilization: Principles and Operationlecture

03Lesson 3: EO Sterilizer Components, Safety, and Aerationlecture

04Hands-on Lab: EO Sterilizer Operation and Safety Protocolslab

05Lesson 5: Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor/Gas Plasma Sterilizationlecture

06Lesson 6: Other Low-Temperature Sterilization Methods and Applicationslecture

07Lesson 7: Low-Temperature Sterilizer Preventative Maintenance and Troubleshootinglecture

08Hands-on Lab: Low-Temperature Sterilizer PM & Midterm Reviewlab

09Lesson 9: Principles of Ultrasonic Cleaning and Cavitationlecture

10Lesson 10: Ultrasonic Cleaner Types, Components, and Operationlecture

11Hands-on Lab: Ultrasonic Cleaner Inspection and Performance Testinglab

12Lesson 12: Ultrasonic Cleaner Preventative Maintenance and Troubleshootinglecture

13Lesson 13: Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance for Sterilizers & Cleanerslecture

14Capstone Service Project: Equipment Assessment and Action Planassignment

Syllabus

["Week 1: Lesson 1: Introduction to Low-Temperature Sterilization Technologies","Week 2: Lesson 2: Ethylene Oxide (EO) Sterilization: Principles and Operation","Week 3: Lesson 3: EO Sterilizer Components, Safety, and Aeration","Week 4: Hands-on Lab: EO Sterilizer Operation and Safety Protocols","Week 5: Lesson 5: Hydrogen Peroxide Vapor/Gas Plasma Sterilization","Week 6: Lesson 6: Other Low-Temperature Sterilization Methods and Applications","Week 7: Lesson 7: Low-Temperature Sterilizer Preventative Maintenance and Troubleshooting","Week 8: Hands-on Lab: Low-Temperature Sterilizer PM & Midterm Review","Week 9: Lesson 9: Principles of Ultrasonic Cleaning and Cavitation","Week 10: Lesson 10: Ultrasonic Cleaner Types, Components, and Operation","Week 11: Hands-on Lab: Ultrasonic Cleaner Inspection and Performance Testing","Week 12: Lesson 12: Ultrasonic Cleaner Preventative Maintenance and Troubleshooting","Week 13: Lesson 13: Regulatory Compliance and Quality Assurance for Sterilizers & Cleaners","Week 14: Capstone Service Project: Equipment Assessment and Action Plan"]