Many hospitals today have heard the message: ANSI/AAMI ST108 has arrived, and water quality is no longer a background variable in sterile processing—it’s a defined, measurable requirement.
But as awareness grows, so does a new reality:
Understanding ST108 and implementing it are two very different challenges.
That’s exactly what this upcoming Healthmark Academy webinar aims to address in a Live Web Event on 05/21/2026 at 2:00 PM (EDT)
Why This Webinar Matters
While ST108 clearly defines what water quality should be, it leaves many facilities asking:
- How do we actually implement this?
- Who owns water quality in our hospital?
- How do we monitor, interpret, and respond to results?
These aren’t theoretical questions—they’re operational gaps that are already surfacing during audits and internal reviews.
What You’ll Learn
In this session, Len Sparks (a contributing author to ST108 and TIR119) and Renee Vander Weele will walk through the real-world challenges hospitals are facing, including:
1. Misunderstanding Water Risks
Many teams assume processes like disinfection and sterilization eliminate all risk. In reality, contaminants like endotoxins can remain and impact patient safety—even after bacteria are destroyed.
2. The “Responsibility Gap”
Water quality touches multiple departments—Facilities, SPD, Infection Prevention—but often lacks clear ownership. The result? Critical tasks fall through the cracks.
3. System and Infrastructure Limitations
Not all existing water systems are capable of consistently producing compliant Critical Water. Even well-intentioned teams can struggle if the system itself isn’t designed or maintained to meet ST108 requirements.
4. Monitoring, Data, and Documentation Challenges
Without consistent testing, trend tracking, and documentation, compliance becomes guesswork—and audit risk increases significantly.
Where TIR119 Comes In
The upcoming AAMI TIR119 guidance is being developed specifically to address these gaps.
Its goal is simple:
Help hospitals move from “what the standard says” to “how to actually do it.”
TIR119 will provide practical direction on:
- Defining roles and responsibilities
- Establishing monitoring programs
- Interpreting water quality data
- Maintaining ongoing compliance
A Message VERDA Has Been Emphasizing
One of the most important takeaways from Len’s presentation is this:
“Without data, compliance becomes guesswork.”
Water is one of the most critical—and most overlooked—inputs in sterile processing. It influences nearly every step, yet many facilities don’t fully control or monitor it.
That’s where the industry is shifting.
Join the Conversation
If your facility is navigating ST108—or trying to figure out where to begin—this webinar will provide practical insight grounded in real-world experience.
ST108: So What’s Next?
Featuring: Len Sparks & Renee Vander Weele
Hosted by: Healthmark Academy
Register here: ST108: So What’s Next? How AAMI TIR119 Will Help Hospitals Overcome the Real-World Challenges of ST108 Implementation