Clinical Evaluations - Week 9 PP

Question 1

What is Packaging?

Answer 1

” A step in the sterilization process in which a medical device is enclosed in materials or a container designed to:

-Allow the penetration and removal of the sterilant during sterilization; and

-Protect the device from contamination and other damage following sterilization and until the time of use

Question 2

Packaging Rulse

Answer 2

• Select wrapping and packages according to size, shape, and weight of instrumentation being processed
• pouches
  -wrap (Alberta IPC- double wrap aka two layers)
• Avoid overfilling packages
  -Bigger pouch is better if in doubt
  -Pouches = Working end visible
  -Place chemical indicators inside each package
  -Event related = no due date (maintain sterility during storage)
• Instruments must be free of debris, in good condition
• Sterilization label present
  *placed on plastic for pouches
  *tape for packs
• Sterilization label has corrected information displayed
  *date reprocessed
  *sterlization number
  *cycle/load number of sterlizer used
  *initials on the paper fold or tape present

Question 3

Packaging techniques

Answer 3

• Wrapped techniques (SAIT uses envelop technique)
• Self sealing pouches
  -Directives are on Brightspace found in outcome 6 under learning actives

Question 4

2 Types of steam sterilizers available

Answer 4

Gravity displacement
Pre and Post vacuum

decision comes down to preference
at sait, we have gravity displacement

Question 5

When handling sterilizer - PPE worn

Answer 5

Instrument preparation: Gown, utility gloves, mask, eye protection

Packaging: exam gloves (mask, eye protection)

Sterilization Process:
clean hands (gloves not worn) except with loading (wear exam gloves, mask eye protection)

Question 6

Unloading

Answer 6

Unloading sterilizer
* Clean hands
* Verify sterility
◦ Package integrity;
◦ Dryness;
◦ Presence of a label, initials
◦ The correct change in an
external chemical indicator;
◦ An intact seal, if used; and
◦ Evidence of potential contamination.

If a pouch or package does not meet the inspection criteria, the contents shall not be used

Question 7

Steam Sterilizer Maintenance

Answer 7

Follow manufacturers instructions
- refer to midmark sterilizer directive

Daily: Refill reservoir with distilled water, clean external surfaces using soft cloth and wipe all external surfaces, clean and examine door gasket for possible damages

Weekly: Clean chambers and trays, drain water from the reservoir using drain lube located in front of unit. (if available) Wash inside of chamber and trays with mild soap or Speed Clean and distilled water

Monthly: clean chamber and plumbing

Question 8

Storage and delivery

Answer 8

Must be inspected for integrity upon opening the
instrument or device pack or cassette at the point of use.
* Must be validated prior to the use of the dental instruments or devices.
* Delivering packaging- clean hands (perform hand hygiene prior)
* Packages are considered clean on the outside
* Must be maintained as sterile until the point of use

Question 9

To ensure the condition of sterility, three forms of monitoring are used:

Answer 9

Physical/Mechanical (cycle, temp and pressure)
Chemical ( heat sensitive, color changes)
Biologic