An important goal of all healthcare treatment is preventing microbial infection among patients and medical staff. The use of disinfection and sterilization systems is therefore vital to safeguarding health as well as avoiding the additional costs, lost working hours and suffering that results from infections originating from treatment or care (known as HAI, hospital-acquired infections or nosocomial infections).
The increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the lowered resistance of infants and the elderly, and the difficulty of cleaning complex modern equipment are major factors that may give rise to the development and spread of infection to patients and staff in healthcare environments.

When choosing disinfection and sterilization solutions, other considerations arise. These primarily concern satisfying the constant demand for higher performance at lower cost.

Major factors that achieve this are:

• The rapid, reliable and cost-effective reprocessing of soiled goods.
• Efficient goods handling and management solutions to ensure smooth recirculation of items.
• Minimal use of utensils.
• Fast installation and seamless integration of new systems.
• Good system support during the lifetime of equipment.
• Added value is expected throughout the system lifecycle.
  

Pursuing good ergonomics
A further significant consideration is the location of disinfection and sterilization units, along with ancillary equipment. Achieving a good ergonomic environment for the medical or dental practitioner not only promotes a smooth work-flow, but it also enables a greater patient turnover with subsequent reduction in costs.