Plain-English explanations of the technical terms and legislation used in this document.
- Automatic control test
- A check that the steriliser actually reached the temperature and pressure it was supposed to.
- Autoclave
- A machine that sterilises instruments using pressurised steam.
- Competent person
- Someone with the training and authority to examine pressure equipment under the safety regulations.
- Cycle record
- The printout or log showing what a sterilising cycle achieved.
- Decontamination
- The whole process of cleaning, disinfecting and sterilising instruments so they are safe to reuse.
- Non-vacuum (type N)
- A simpler steriliser suitable only for plain, unwrapped instruments used straight away.
- Pouching
- Sealing an instrument in a special bag before sterilising, so it stays sterile until opened.
- Recall
- Contacting patients who may have been affected when a problem is found after the event.
- Residual risk
- The risk that is left once the existing controls are working.
- Single-use
- Marked to be used once and thrown away. It must never be cleaned and reused.
- Traceability
- Being able to link the instruments used on a patient back to a particular sterilisation cycle.
- Ultrasonic bath
- A cleaning machine that uses high-frequency sound waves in water to loosen soil from instruments.
- Vacuum (type B)
- A steriliser that removes air first, so steam can reach inside pouches and hollow instruments.
- Written scheme of examination
- The legally required plan for how and when a pressure vessel such as an autoclave is inspected.