Skip to main content

How We Sterilize Footcare Instruments At Whitby Family Footcare

 When you visit a chiropodist or podiatrist, you’re trusting that every instrument used on your feet is clean, safe, and fully sterilized. At Whitby Family Footcare, infection control isn’t just a routine, it’s a core part of how we protect your health. One of the most common questions patients ask is:

“How do you sterilize your instruments?”

Here’s exactly what happens behind the scenes to ensure your care meets the highest standards.

Our Sterilization Process Is Guided by IPAC Standards

All of our cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization procedures follow IPAC (Infection Prevention and Control) best practices, along with the standards set by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario. These guidelines ensure that every step of instrument reprocessing is safe, consistent, and medically sound.

1. Instruments Are Cleaned Immediately After Use

After each appointment, instruments go through a thorough cleaning process:

  • Rinsing to remove visible debris
  • Manual or ultrasonic cleaning to break down microscopic particles
  • Drying to prevent corrosion and ensure proper sterilization

IPAC guidelines emphasize that effective sterilization is only possible when instruments are completely clean, so this step is essential.

Instruments being removed from ultrasonic cleaner

2. Instruments Are Packaged in Sterile Pouches

Once cleaned, instruments are:

  • Inspected for wear or damage
  • Organized into treatment sets
  • Sealed in medical‑grade sterilization pouches

Each pouch includes chemical indicators that change colour only when the correct sterilization conditions are met — another IPAC requirement.

3. Instruments Are Sterilized in a Medical‑Grade Autoclave

The autoclave is the gold standard for sterilization in healthcare settings. It uses:

  • Pressurized steam
  • High heat
  • Precise exposure times

This combination destroys bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even heat‑resistant spores.

Every cycle is monitored for:

  • Temperature
  • Pressure
  • Time
  • Chemical indicator changes

If anything is outside IPAC‑approved parameters, the instruments are reprocessed.

instruments in package in autoclave

4. Routine Biological (Spore) Testing

IPAC guidelines require regular biological testing to confirm that the autoclave is functioning properly. These tests verify that the device can kill even the most resistant microorganisms.

We perform these tests on a strict schedule to ensure ongoing safety and compliance.

Biologic indicator being packaged

5. Sterile Storage Until Your Appointment

Once sterilized, instruments remain sealed in their pouches until the moment they’re used. If a pouch is opened, torn, or compromised in any way, the instruments are immediately reprocessed — no exceptions.

Sterile instruments

What This Means for You

When you visit Whitby Family Footcare, you can feel confident knowing:

  • Every instrument used on you has been fully sterilized
  • Our processes follow strict IPAC and regulatory standards
  • We exceed the minimum requirements for safety and infection control
  • Your health is protected at every step

Clean instruments aren’t just a behind‑the‑scenes detail — they’re a cornerstone of safe, professional footcare.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

MBT™ footwear: A chiropodist’s view of the “Physiological” footwear.

Over the past year,  I have been asked on several occasions to express my opinion on the benefits and risks of wearing  unconventional footwear such as  MBT™ (Masai Barefoot Technology) shoes , Sketchers “Shape Up”™ shoes and other similar shoes.   I have reviewed research presented at scientific seminars, talked to a MBT footwear medical representative and I have also received feedback from a few patients over the past year who have used MBT shoes or other similar shoes.  In this blog I will discuss the design of MBT footwear and its effects on the thigh and lower leg muscles while standing and walking in MBT footwear.  I will also discuss the effects on ankle joint motion while walking in MBT footwear. MBT footwear was developed in Switzerland in 1996 and came to North America in 2003.  The unstable MBT shoe has been promoted as the original “barefoot” function shoe. This shoe has a rounded sole starting from the heel and continues ...
3 comments
Read more

Wearing flats over 60

Here are some tips for wearing flats if you are over 60. Generally, flats do not have much support and the toe box is narrow instead of rounded. This is also good advice for anyone under 60. https://bestlifeonline.com/flats-over-60/ Whitby Family Footcare
Post a Comment
Read more

Spring has finally arrived don't be hobbled by plantar fasciitis

It has been a long winter in southern Ontario. Most people have limited their walking outside due to snow and ice on sidewalks and roads. The good news is most of the snow and ice has melted from the sidewalks making it safer to walk without slipping. The bad news is that first spring walk or run might lead to heel pain. Plantar fasciitis usually comes on gradually, but can occur suddenly and be severe. It can affect both feet, but often occurs in only one foot at a time.  Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. The pain is caused by inflammation of the tissue along the bottom of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes. Plantar fasciitis causes stabbing or burning pain that is usually worse in the morning because the fascia tightens overnight. The pain usually decreases as your foot limbers up, but it may return after standing for a long time or after getting up from a seated position. If plantar fasciitis is not dealt with quickly it can bec...
3 comments
Read more