The Role of Water in Sterile Processing
Water plays a critical role in every stage of sterile processing, from cleaning to final sterilization. ST108 sets clear expectations for using high-quality, contaminant-free “critical water” to protect both patients and medical instruments.
Water Quality Classifications in ST108
ST108 introduces clear water quality classifications—Utility Water, Critical Water, and Steam—each with specific treatment standards and uses in reusable medical device processing. These classifications help ensure effective cleaning, rinsing, and sterilization at every stage.
Implementing ST108 in Your Facility
Implementing ST108 requires a proactive approach to water quality management—from initial testing and treatment to ongoing monitoring and maintenance. These steps help facilities meet the standard’s requirements and protect both patients and equipment.
Why ST108 Compliance Matters
ST108 sets a new benchmark for water quality in sterile processing, emphasizing the importance of consistent standards across healthcare facilities. Adopting this guidance reflects a commitment to safety, efficiency, and long-term operational excellence.
Who ST108 Applies To
ST108 impacts a wide range of healthcare facilities where water quality is critical to sterile processing. Understanding which settings must comply and how the standard applies is key to ensuring patient safety and operational excellence.
Defining the New Standard for Water Quality
In 2023, the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) released ST108—a landmark standard that redefined how healthcare facilities manage water quality in the reprocessing of reusable medical devices. Replacing the previous TIR34 guidance, ST108 establishes clear, enforceable parameters for water treatment, monitoring, and classification to support safer, more consistent sterile processing across all care settings.
For many organizations, navigating healthcare ST108 water standards can be complex. That’s why Western Reserve Pure Water partners with facilities to explain compliance in practical, actionable terms. We work with leading companies like Nustream and Ameriwater to provide ST108-compliant systems, and we can also design a custom solution tailored to your specific needs. From initial water analysis to system design and ongoing monitoring, we help ensure your organization is not only compliant, but also optimized for long-term performance and patient safety.
Whether you’re updating an existing system or building a new sterile processing workflow from the ground up, we provide the expertise and support needed to meet the demands of this new standard with confidence.
Why Choose Us?
Established Trust
We are a proven partner with two-plus decades of innovation & research
Custom Services
Western Reserve never charges for consultations and will give you a FREE water analysis
Love Local
Professional application engineers in house on staff just a drive away
Filtration Systems Designed for ST108 Compliance
Western Reserve Pure Water’s filtration systems are built to help healthcare facilities meet the demanding water quality standards of ST108. Designed for reliability and performance, these systems make sure your water is safe, clean, and ready for everything from medical device reprocessing to everyday use.
End-To-End Membrane Cleaning – Available Nationwide!
Save your time, money and effort by having Western Reserve Pure Water clean your existing membrane. We offer short turnaround time and loaners if needed. Shipping is an easy process, and we offer service and maintenance plans. We have customers anywhere across the U.S.
ST108 FAQs
Western Reserve Pure Water can conduct comprehensive water testing for ST108 compliance at your facility through our National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP)-certified lab in Ohio. We handle both chemical and microbiological analyses needed to meet ST108 requirements.
Testing for ST108 compliance typically requires labs accredited under NELAP or equivalent standards (such as ISO/IEC 17025), especially for chemical and microbial testing. Western Reserve Pure Water’s in-house analytical laboratory is NELAP-certified, making its test results suitable for ST108 validation.
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Yes. As part of their ST108 compliance services, Western Reserve Pure Water provides training and ongoing support to healthcare staff on system operation, monitoring protocols, and scheduled maintenance to help maintain water quality standards over time.
Absolutely. Western Reserve Pure Water delivers on-site ST108 validation, including sampling, analysis, and a detailed compliance report aligned with the standard. We guide facilities through water analysis, treatment system setup, regular monitoring, and documentation.
