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2026 Disinfection & Sterilization Guidelines

2026 Disinfection & Sterilization Guidelines
2026 INFECTION CONTROL GUIDELINES

Instrument reprocessing
the right way

An effective reprocessing workflow should be standardized from cleaning, disinfection, inspection, maintenance, packaging, sterilization, through documentation and storage.

MELAG provides integrated solutions that help healthcare facilities establish consistent workflows, control quality, and support traceability throughout the entire reprocessing process.

MELAG instrument reprocessing solution
SYSTEM SOLUTION

Integrating every stage of the reprocessing workflow

From cleaning & disinfection, inspection, maintenance, and packaging to sterilization, documentation, and storage – every stage is organized to support effective infection control.

STERILIZATION

Sterilizers

MELAG steam sterilizers are developed for a wide range of applications in clinics and healthcare facilities, with a focus on reliability, efficiency, and process control.

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Sterilizers MELAG
LARGE-SCALE STERILIZATION

Large-capacity steam sterilizers

The 100- and 200-liter steam sterilizers are designed for central sterile supply departments (CSSDs), hospitals, and healthcare facilities with high-volume processing requirements.

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Large-capacity steam sterilizers MELAG
COMPACT AUTOCLAVES

Vacuclave 105 & Vacuclave 305

A compact sterilizer range for facilities seeking to optimize space and processing time. Vacuclave 105 & 305 support instrument sterilization on two trays and feature flexDRY drying.

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Vacuclave 105
CLEANING & DISINFECTION

MELAtherm

Automates instrument cleaning and disinfection to standardize cycles, reduce manual handling, and support consistent infection control.

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MELAtherm
PACKAGING

Pouch sealing equipment

Supports stable and secure seals for sterilization packaging, helping protect sterilized instruments from the risk of recontamination.

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Pouch sealing equipment MELAG
PACKAGING & STORAGE

MELAstore

Tray and container systems that help standardize instrument sets and facilitate cleaning, disinfection, packaging, sterilization, and storage.

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MELAstore system
DOCUMENTATION & TRACEABILITY

Reprocessing documentation management

Documentation and traceability solutions support cycle monitoring, batch release, and information linkage throughout the entire reprocessing workflow.

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Documentation and traceability
TESTING

Routine testing

Testing products support routine evaluation of sterilizers and packaging equipment in accordance with the facility's quality control program.

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Routine testing
MAINTENANCE

Lubrication

Suitable maintenance oils and adapters help maintain the operating condition of instruments with moving parts in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

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Lubrication
CONSUMABLES

Accessories & consumables

A range of accessories supporting cleaning, disinfection, maintenance, packaging, sterilization, and documentation throughout the reprocessing workflow.

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Consumables
QUY TRÌNH TÁI XỬ LÝ

Reprocess instruments through a standardized workflow

The complete instrument reprocessing workflow includes cleaning, disinfection, inspection, maintenance, packaging, sterilization, documentation, and release.

Standardizing these steps supports infection control, reduces the risk of cross-contamination, and facilitates traceability when needed.

MELAG instrument reprocessing system
QUY TRÌNH 7 BƯỚC

From used instruments to instruments ready for use

Each step should be carried out in the correct sequence and in accordance with the characteristics of the instruments, equipment, and the manufacturer's instructions.

01

Instrument preparation

Collect, perform preliminary cleaning, disassemble when necessary, and promptly transport instruments from the treatment area to the reprocessing area.

  • Collect instruments in suitable trays or containers.
  • Transport in closed containers to limit the spread of contaminants.
  • Perform preliminary cleaning to prevent soil from drying onto surfaces.
  • Use suitable brushes and ultrasonic equipment when necessary.
Instrument preparation
02

Cleaning & disinfection

Automated washer-disinfectors help standardize the process and control cycle parameters according to defined programs.

  • Perform cleaning and disinfection using an appropriate program.
  • Hollow instruments should be connected to suitable adapters.
  • Follow the instructions of the instrument and equipment manufacturers.
Cleaning and disinfection with MELAtherm
03

Inspection, maintenance & lubrication

After cleaning, disinfection, and drying, instruments should undergo visual and functional inspection before proceeding to the next step.

  • Remove damaged instruments or instruments with abnormal surfaces.
  • Maintain moving parts according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Use maintenance products suitable for the sterilization process.
Instrument inspection and maintenance
04

Đóng gói

Before sterilization, instruments should be appropriately packaged in pouches, packaging materials, or sterilization containers/trays according to process requirements.

  • Perform packaging in a clean area.
  • Protect sharp instruments to prevent damage to the packaging.
  • Open hinged instruments appropriately to support steam contact.
  • Observe the load limits of the packaging.
Instrument packaging
05

Tiệt khuẩn

Suitable instruments are sterilized using saturated steam according to the defined cycle for each load type and the equipment manufacturer's instructions.

  • Distribute the load appropriately in the sterilization chamber.
  • Do not stack multiple sterilization pouches on top of one another.
  • Load the chamber according to the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
  • Observe the applicable load limits and cycle program.
Instrument sterilization
06

Documentation & release

Complete the process through inspection, documentation, and release of the processed batch by an authorized person in accordance with the facility's procedures.

  • Document the processing cycle information.
  • Check the results before release.
  • Retain records according to the requirements applicable to the facility.
  • Support traceability by batch, label, or record when needed.
Documentation and release
07

Storage of sterile instruments

Sterilized instruments should be protected from recontamination during transport and storage.

  • Store in a clean, dry, low-dust environment.
  • Avoid tearing or damaging the packaging.
  • Check package integrity before use.
  • Follow the storage requirements applicable to the facility.
Storage of sterile instruments
KHU VỰC TÁI XỬ LÝ

Clearly separate dirty, clean, and sterile areas

The reprocessing area should be organized as a one-way flow, minimizing cross-over between contaminated instruments and instruments that have been cleaned, disinfected, or sterilized.

MELAG instrument reprocessing area layout
ZONE 01

Dirty zone

Receipt and initial processing of used instruments.

  • Receive used instruments
  • Làm sạch sơ bộ
  • Instrument preparation
  • Máy rửa & khử khuẩn
ZONE 02

Clean zone

Inspection, maintenance, packaging, and sterilization preparation.

  • Instrument inspection
  • Bảo dưỡng
  • Đóng gói
  • Pouch sealing
  • Sterilization preparation
ZONE 03

Sterile zone

Sterilization, release, and storage of processed instruments.

  • Tiệt khuẩn
  • Documentation & release
  • Lưu trữ
  • Instrument distribution
MELAG instrument reprocessing system
MELAG SYSTEM SOLUTIONS

Infection control from process to equipment

A well-organized system connects cleaning, disinfection, packaging, sterilization, and documentation into a consistent, clearly defined, and traceable workflow.

EXPLORE MORE

Explore more specialized solutions

From protecting surgical instruments to building a centralized reprocessing system, MELAG focuses on systematic, long-term solutions.

Solution for enhancing the durability of ophthalmic surgical instruments
SPECIALIZED SOLUTION

Solution for enhancing the durability of ophthalmic surgical instruments

Discover how to standardize cleaning, disinfection, drying, inspection, and maintenance to help protect delicate, high-value ophthalmic surgical instruments.

View solution →
Solution for building a complete CSSD
SYSTEM SOLUTION

Solution for building a complete CSSD

Discover how to build a CSSD covering zoning, instrument flow, equipment, reprocessing workflows, quality control, and record traceability.

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MELAG

Standardize processes – strengthen infection control

From individual instruments to the entire reprocessing system, a properly organized workflow helps create consistency, efficiency, and control in daily practice.

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