HTM Water and Clean Steam Testing
Comprehensive HTM testing for washer disinfectors and clean steam systems.

HTM Water and Clean Steam Testing

Healthcare Technical Memoranda (HTM) guidance sets out stringent standards for water and steam used in sterile services and decontamination. Historically defined under HTM 2030 and HTM 2031, the requirements are now incorporated into the HTM 01 series, covering the management and decontamination of surgical instruments and associated utilities.

At Honeyman Laboratories, we provide specialist HTM-compliant testing to ensure that washer disinfector rinse water and clean steam used in sterilisation meet the required microbiological, chemical and physical quality standards.

Washer Disinfector Rinse Water (HTM 01-01 Part C)

Rinse water used in washer disinfectors must be of consistently high quality to avoid re-contaminating surgical instruments. We perform:

Microbiological testing – total viable count, endotoxin and absence of specified organisms

Chemical analysis – conductivity, pH, hardness, chloride, nitrate, sulphate and heavy metals (including arsenic and lead)

Physical quality – turbidity and appearance

Clean Steam Quality (HTM 01-01 Part D)

Clean steam used in sterilisation processes must be free from impurities and meet strict performance criteria. Our testing includes:

Non-condensable gases – in line with EN 285 requirements

Steam dryness fraction – ensuring correct steam quality for sterilisation

Superheat assessment – preventing damage to equipment and ineffective sterilisation cycles

Chemical purity – chloride, ammonia, sodium, silica and other critical contaminants

Why Testing Matters

Failure to comply with HTM water and steam standards can lead to ineffective sterilisation, residual contamination of medical devices, and ultimately risks to patient safety. Regular HTM testing also ensures compliance with MHRA, CQC and Trust governance requirements, supporting audit readiness and regulatory inspections.

Why Choose Honeyman

MHRA-approved cGMP laboratories with validated methods for HTM testing

Over 30 years’ experience supporting NHS Trusts, sterile services and OEMs

Onsite GMP-trained samplers and validated cold-chain sample transport

Integrated engineering support from Honeyman Water for steam and water systems, including design, troubleshooting and upgrades

Audit-ready reporting with full interpretation, trend analysis and CAPA recommendations

Complete Lifecycle Support

Honeyman is uniquely placed to support the full lifecycle of your clean steam and water systems—from consultancy, design and commissioning through to validation, routine testing and ongoing compliance monitoring. This makes us a trusted partner for NHS Trusts and private healthcare providers across the UK and beyond.

Contact us today to arrange a tailored HTM testing programme and keep your decontamination and sterile services fully compliant.

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