What is meant by Unidirectional flow in CSSD?

The CSSD layout should have well demarcated zones, which includes:

• Collection zone (or soiled zone) where the soiled and used items should be received and sorted.

• Cleaning zone where washing, cleaning and packaging of items should be done.

• Sterilization and Storage zone where the actual sterilization of packages should be done and where sterilized packs are stored till its distribution
  

Unidirectional flow is a one-way work flow in the CSSD. Material always moves from the dirty area to the clean area and finally through the sterilization area into the sterile area. It never flows in the reverse direction. It is like a ‘one way traffic’. There is a separate entrance or hatch to receive used goods and a separate exit or hatch to issue sterile goods.