Literature Review and Practice Recommendations: Existing and emerging technologies used for decontamination of the healthcare environment - Steam

This literature review aims to review the evidence base for using steam for decontamination of the healthcare environment.

Objectives

• To provide a generic description of steam decontamination systems, including the proposed or actual mechanism of action and the procedure for use.
• To assess the scientific evidence for effectiveness of steam decontamination systems.
• To explore practical and safety considerations related to the use of steam decontamination systems.
• To explore the costs associated with steam decontamination systems.
• To produce a concise evidence summary for steam to assist the Equipment and Environmental Decontamination Steering Expert Advisory Group in making practical recommendations on the use of steam decontamination systems for NHSScotland.