Cleaning is the first and most critical step in the reprocessing of medical devices. Its quality directly determines the effectiveness of subsequent disinfection and sterilization, thereby affecting patient safety and the level of hospital infection prevention and control. As the core department responsible for ensuring the supply of sterile items in hospitals, the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) plays a decisive role in the cleaning quality of reusable instruments. This paper systematically reviews relevant studies and practice guidelines published between 2020 and 2025, both domestically and internationally. Based on the six-dimensional “Man– Machine–Material–Method–Environment–Measurement” (6M) model, it provides an in-depth analysis of the key factors influencing the cleaning quality of reusable instruments in CSSD. The findings indicate that insufficient professional competence of personnel, improper equipment maintenance, non-standard selection and use of detergents, lack of standardized operating procedures, complex instrument structures, and imperfect quality management systems are the main causes of cleaning failure. Accordingly, this paper proposes the establishment of an integrated quality control system based on the “Man–Machine–Material–Method– Environment–Measurement” framework, emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, information technology empowerment, and continuous quality improvement. The aim is to provide theoretical references and practical pathways for improving the cleaning quality of CSSD in medical institutions in China.
Ma,Min Yang,Yi Ding Xin-Hui (Wed,) studied this question.