9. Instrument Cleaning

Question 1

What is instrument cleaning?

Answer 1

the destruction of microorganisms to prevent post-surgical infections

Question 2

What are the basic procedures for instruments?

Answer 2

pre-soaking/pre-cleaning
decontaminating
ultrasonic cleaning
lubrication
instrument inspection
sterilization

Question 3

What is pre-soaking your instruments?

Answer 3

start immediately after sx
placed in distilled water +/- detergent sol that is specifically approved for use w/ surgical instruments (haemo-sol) - tap water contributes tor ush formation - use distilled water
no mechanical agitation
purpose is to soften dried blood and debris

Question 4

What is pre-cleaning?

Answer 4

insturments rinsed w/ distilled water to remove tissue and blood
cool water

Question 5

What is decotaminating your surgical instruments?

Answer 5

manual cleaning in a commercial instrument detergent solution
aids in breakdown of biological debris
solu should be diluted w/ warm distilled water
care should be taken to clean the instruments thoroughly w/o causing damage to them

Question 6

What are the steps to decontamination?

Answer 6

prepare a basin w/ warm water and detergent
open all box locks and unlock ratchets. gently place each instrument in the basin
wash all surfaces of each instruments w/ a soft bristled brush. pay attention to box locks, joints, and serrations. Use a brushing motion directed away from you (never use wire- bc micro abbrations = bacteria)
rinse each instrument w/ distilled water

Question 7

What is ultrasonic cleaning?

Answer 7

after decontamination is complete the instruments are put through an ultrasonic cleaner - uses distilled water and chemicals/enzymes - metriclean 2, enzymes assist in breakdown of organic debris, most effective @ temp recommended by the manufacturer
especially important for hinged instruments or those w/ inaccessible areas (box locks)
instruments should be in an open position for cleaning
sound waves creat tiny bubbles that form and collapse thousands of times/sex > they create a scrubbing effect known as cavitation
2-6m, 110-130F
if enzyme sol too warm, instruments may be damaged
soil may heat-set on the instruments making more difficult to clean if sol too warm
rinse w/ distill water after cleaning - if tap water is used, blot instruments to prevent mineral deposits/scale from forming

Question 8

What is instrument lubrication

Answer 8

prolongs the lifespan of the instruments and prevents rust and corrosion
baths or sprays - sprays onto open instrument on a towel and left to airdry
use only fresh, clean sol, follow instructions
able to get into difficult to reach areas - leave a lubricating, microscopic film on the instruments
most are steam permeable and don’t interfere w/ sterilization

Question 9

How would you dry and inspect instruments?

Answer 9

lay instruments out flat on a lint-free absorbent surface to dry. - reatches and box locks still open
cover the drying instruments with another layer of ling-free absorbent material
when instruments are clean and dry, inspect for damage and function properly - box lock should open and close smoothly, ratchets should engage/disengage easy
scissors should be sharp and cut smoothly
jaws and teeth should not be mal-aligned
instruments ready for wrap and autolaving

Question 10

What is included in the pack recipe?

Answer 10

name + quantity of each insturment included in the pack
types and quantities of supplies in each pack (# of gauze sponges)
a photo or illustration of each instrument
specify whether linen or paper is used to wrap the pack
manufacturer’s guidelines for any instrument that requires special handling and maintenance
warranty information
manufacturer’s constant info

Question 11

How is the pack sealed?

Answer 11

include a steam chemical indicator strip in the pack
all packs should be double wrapped
steam indicator tape is used to seal the pack (2 strips)
type of pack, date of sterilization, initials

Question 12

What are the take home points of instrument cleaning?

Answer 12

all items to be sterilized must be clean and in good working condition
There are standard packs for common procedures ( spays)
packs need to fit into the autoclave
all packs should be wrapped using the same method so they can be unwrapped in the same way
a steam chemical indicator strip should be placed in the middle of all packs
outer wrap should be sealed w/ indicator strip to indicate pack has been autoclaved and not opened

Question 13

What are the 4 components of oster clippers?

Answer 13

blades
lever/blade drive assembly - causes blade to move back and forth to create cutting action
Latch - to attach blade
motor

Question 14

How do we select blades?

Answer 14

Blades come with a # followed by a number
Ex. #40, #10, #4
lower # = longer cut
#3 will leave ~13mm hair length
#10 will leave ~2mm
#40 and #40 appropriate for surgical purposes

Question 15

How should we use oster clippers?

Answer 15

blades should always be clean
alway apply 1-2 drops of lubricant to the blades b4 use
blades only used on clean coats
always hold clipper blade flat against the skin - less traumatic and prevents clipper burn and/or cuts
turn on clippers b4 approaching animal

Question 16

How do we cool down oster clipper blades?

Answer 16

cool down as needed - blades will heat up w/ use; heat can cause trauma to skin - check w/ hand
can turn off clippers and let rest
can use commercial cooling spray (Oster kool lube) - not a substitute for lubricant - always read label

Question 17

How do we use coolant spray and lubricant?

Answer 17

1. turn clippers OFF
2. point clippers towards flood
3. Spray BACK of blade w/ one short burst
4. Immediately turn the clipper over and oil the cutter teeth w/ clipper oil
5. Turn clippers on and continue
   Note: DO NOT spray front of blades as solvent will remove lubricant making blade heat up even faster. if solvent enters clipper casing, will affect the carbon brushes
   could also give the clippers a rest before continuing

Question 18

How often do we clean, oil and disinfect roster clippers?

Answer 18

after EACH use
important to regularly maintain clipper blades and keep them clean
presence of dirt and fur on blades when using them will cause them to go blunt quicker
also risks fomite transfer of pathogens

Question 19

What is the cleaning procedure of oster clippers?

Answer 19

wipe outside of clipper unit
remove excess dirt and hair w/ a bristle brush
when blade is cool, submerge only w/ cutting tip of clipper blade in bowl w/ blade wash solution - run blade for 5-8s< remove blade from clipper and lay on towel to dry, DO NOT use until dry, use plastic bowl (metal will dull tips if blade accidentally touches)
may need multiple per day depending on caseload

Question 20

How do we oil and isinfect oster clippers?

Answer 20

once dry, hold clipper blade side down and spray w/ a disinfecting spray
place a few drops of clipper oil btw the upper and lower blades while motor is running - as it is running, the excess oil and hair will run off the clipper blade
Blades should never be dry - lube as needed

Question 21

How do we store clippers?

Answer 21

should NOT wrap cord around clippers - breaks wires inside the cord
store cords in loops

Question 22

How do we sharpen clippers?

Answer 22

if grabbing or pulling the coat, poor alignment - indicates blades are dull and need sharpening or replace

Question 23

How often is maintenance required?

Answer 23

once a month - open vents on bottom to clean out hair and dust
grease lvls are checked - remove face place, make sure it is clean and adequate lvls, replace grease ever 6mo
oil ball bearing (drive mechanism/armature gear)
Check carbon brushes - replace as needed - always replace both, make sure put in properly
inspect drive lvl for wear