“Central Supply”

Soon, and to the surprise of many, hospital infections rates began increasing, instead of decreasing, during the late 1960’s. The explanation was initially believed to be due to relaxation by medical staff of aseptic techniques, as they increasingly relied upon antibiotics.

At the same time new medical technologies began to proliferate (e.g. artificial respirators, the “heart and lung machine” etc.). It was soon recognized that these devices inadvertently served as reservoirs for infection. Aggressive cleaning procedures were soon instituted. Healthcare providers began to realize that “sterile” did not necessarily mean sterile.

Technology standards and protocols were gradually developed as a result. Centralized supply systems were introduced: items were sterilized in a clean location and subsequently distributed in enclosed sterile packs. Surgical trays were sterilized with pressurized steam heat, and then wrapped. Gases such as ethylene oxide and liquid solutions of formaldehyde or alcohol were used to sterilize heat-sensitive equipment. As improvements were made in sterility, infections rates declined.