Cleaning & Sterilisation (history) Flashcards
what are the different Spaulding classifications?
- critical devices
- semi-critical devices
- non-critical devices
what is a critical device by definition?
Device that penetrates soft tissues, makes contact with bone & enters/contacts the bloodstream or normally sterile tissue
what is a semi-critical device by definition?
Device that comes into contact with non-intact skin or mucous membranes, but does not penetrate soft tissue/make contact with bloodstream/bone/sterile tissue
what is a non-critical device by definition?
Device that only comes into contact with the skin and intact mucous membrane
what is an example of a critical device?
surgical and biopsy instruments, forceps
what are examples of semi-critical device?
- dental mirrors
- anaesthetic syringes
what is an example of non-critical device?
chair light handle
what are the stages of processing instruments?
- cleaning
- disinfection
- inspection
- packaging
- sterilisation
- transport
- storage
- use
- transport
what occurs during the cleaning stage of processing instruments?
removes all of the biological matter from the surface of instruments following use
why must instruments be cleaned?
- functionality of instrumentation
- minimise the spread of contamination
- prevent failed procedures
- achieve steam contact
- legal requirement
what is the recommended cleaning method for medical instruments?
Washer-Disinfector
what is the back up cleaning method for medical instruments?
Ultrasonic Bath
(manual cleaning only if the only option)
what occurs after the cleaning stage?
Sterilisation
- instruments processed through a steam steriliser
