Water Testing Resources

for Healthcare and Sterile Processing Professionals

ANSI/AAMI ST108: Standards for Routine Monitoring

of Water Quality in clinical settings

Affirm Documents

Key Definitions

Critical Water

Critical Water (ST108) is water that meets purity standards for rinsing surgical instruments and medical devices, ensuring patient safety by minimizing organic and inorganic contaminants, microorganisms, and endotoxins.

Utility Water

The initial water coming into a healthcare facility, typically tap water. This water may require additional treatment to meet the quality requirements as outlined in the Standard and can be used for general cleaning tasks such as flushing, washing, and rinsing medical devices.

Endotoxins

A toxin present inside a bacterial cell. When a cell dies and disintegrates, the toxin is released and can be responsible for inflammation or some diseases. After bacteria is killed by a water treatment system (such as with UV) the endotoxins must be filtered out. Measured by Endotoxin Unit (EU).

Water Management Program

A protocol ensuring water quality in medical device processing. An effective program involves a cross-functional team, a risk-based approach, defined roles, verification methods, and documentation standards.

Steam Water

Water that is converted into steam whether from a central steam boiler system or local steam generator for use in medical device sterilization. This water must meet requirements as outlined in the Standard and tested as steam condensate.

Bacteria

A single cell living organism that can cause some diseases. Agenics’ bacteria tests looks specifically for aerobic, heterotrophic bacteria that grows in low nutrient environments, such as water.

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