CNOR Infection Prevention and Control of Environment, Instrumentation, and Supplies pt 2 Flashcards
Packaging materials should be compatible with what?
different types of sterilization methdos
What 3 things disqualify a package from being used?
- broken seals
- evidence of loss of package integrity (the condition of a sterilized package)
- evidence of moisture penetration
What 2 things should be inspected on an instrument prior to being packaged?
- cleanliness
- function
instruments should be what prior to packaging?
dry
Instruments with multiple parts should be what?
disassembled if possible
instruments with locks should be what?
processed in the open position
What should not be placed in sterilization containers unless required by the manufacturer’s IFU?
towels
What is used to prevent microbial migration?
sequential wrapping with 3 single wraps or a single wrap with 2 layers
What should be followed when placing one pouch inside another?
IFU
If recommended by the manufacturer, pouches should be placed how?
paper side to paper side
To allow sterilant contact and drying during sterilization, pouches should be what?
properly spaced and positioned on edge
package labels should be what? so that what?
should be secured so that they do not become dislodged during processing, storage, and movement to the point of use
peel pouches should not be placed where?
in instrument sets
What is the weight limit for instrument pans and their contents?
a 25 lb weight limit
Why is their a weight limit for instrument pans?
allows for adequate drying of contents and decreases the risk of injury to the staff handling the sets
Before placing the contents of a rigid container, OR personnel should check what 3 things?
- check the filters for defects and determine whether the valve is functional
- ensure that no moisture is present
- determine whether the indicator has turned
What should OR personnel check wrapped containers for?
check for perforations and moisture and whether the indicator has turned
Where should personnel label a peel pack?
on the plastic side
What can writing on the paper side of a peel pack do?
may cause the ink to leach through and compromise the integrity of the package
discovery of a wet pack involves what?
a multidisciplinary approach to determine and correct the problem
Who will be involved if a wet pack is discovered?
- infection preventionist
- perioperative and sterile processing staff and managers
- facility manager
What are the subsequent events if a wet pack is discovered?
- load in question should be quarantined according to lot number
- surgeons should be notified
- the sterilizer should be repaired if needed
Documentation on the package label should include what 5 things?
- the sterilizer identifier
- the cycle or load number
- the date of sterilization
- a description of the contents
- assembler identification information
New, repaired, refurbished, or loaned instruments need to be what before use?
cleaned, decontaminated, inspected, and sterilized
What does single use mean?
that personnel must use that item only one time
single-use istruments that are reprocessed must meet what?
FDA guidelines for reprocessing, which includes policies, procedures, competencies, and education
Items that are not clean cannot be what?
sterilized
What can be used to sterilize heat- and moisture-stable items?
saturated steam under pressure
what is the critical step in steam sterilization?
the removal of air from the chamber
How can the removal of air from the chamber be achieved?
via gravity displacement or through a dynamic air removal process (prevacuum)
What are the 4 parameters of steam sterilization?
- pressure
- temperature
- time
- moisture
what are the first 3 parameter that are captured as part of the sterilizer monitoring log or record?
pressure, temperature, time
What are examples of items that can be sterilized with saturated steam?
stainless steel instruments, glass, and towels
What may you also use saturated steam with but may require longer exposure or drying times?
some powered instruments, specialty orthopedic instruments and devices, and neurosurgery
Both terminal sterilization and immediate-use steam sterilization follow what?
the manufacturer’s written guidelines for required cycles for different devices and load configurations
immediate-use steam sterilization follows the same what?
process as that for saturated steam under pressure without the dry cycle
Why should IUSS not be used frequently?
increased risk of infection secondary to inconsistent cleaning practices in the OR and the transfer of the item from the sterilizer to the point of use
IUSS should only be used when?
in specific situations when there is not enough time for a full cycle
What should definitely not be sterilized through IUSS?
implants; except in the case of a defined emergency in which no other option is available
If an implant is processed via IUSS, what needs to be run with the load?
a biological indicator and a type V integrating chemical indicator
Records for IUSS should include what?
- the item sterilized
- the patient’s name
- the sterilizer number
- the cycle paramaters - temperature, duration of cycle
- monitoring results
- the date and time the cycle was run
- the name of the cycle operator
- the reason for IUSS
what provides a monitoring system for quality assurance with IUSS?
routine follow up audits
what is ethylene oxide sterilization?
a low temperature sterilization method used for moisture- and heat-sensitive devices (fiberoptic cords, lensed instruments, flexible endoscopes)
EO is very effective but what 4 features make it less than ideal choice?
- EO is a known carcinogen
- the extensive time required for aeration (up to 8 hours) makes EO an impractical choice for many operating rooms
- EO is explosive and flammable
- Sterilizer installation must meet National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and EPA standards for exhaust of flumes
items must be what before placement in the chamber for EO?
must be dry
what is imperative in EO and why?
correct loading of the baskets or cart is imperative to allow for EO circulation and penetration.
EO-sterilized items must be what to prevent burns to staff or patients?
must be aerated at the endy of the cycle
Peronnel must wear what with EO?
must wear EO monitoring badges during exposure
low-temperature hydrogen peroxide methods (vapor, gas plasma combination, ozone combination) can be used when?
to sterilize items that cannot tolerate high temperatures and humidity (i.e. some plastics, electical devices, and corrosion-susceptible metal alloys
Why is low-temperature hydrogen peroxide desirable?
packages do not require aeration
What are the risks that accompany low-temperature hydrogen peroxide methods?
it may cause burns, upper airway irritation, and, in cases of severe exposure, permanent lung damage
what cannot be used in low-temperature hydrogen peroxide methods?
liquid and cellulose-based paper
instruments should be evaluated for what with low-temperature hydrogen peroxide methods?
for acceptable lumen diameter and length
what needs to be specially designed and designated for low-temperature hydrogen peroxide sterilization?
trays, mats, and containers AND cleared by the FDA
What can ozone sterilization be used for?
to sterilize moisture- and heat-sensitive items according to the manufactuerers’ IFU
What has the FDA approved the use of ozone sterilization for?
for use with metal and plastic surgical instruments
what does ozone sterilized use?
uses only oxygen and water in the sterilizer chamber
personnel should first determine what before using ozone sterilization?
lumen diameter and length