Decon

Question 1

Why do we need to do manual cleaning?

Answer 1

remove gross debris which would inhibit sterilisation
wash off prions
allows checking of instruments

Question 2

Why do we need to test washer/disinfector?

Answer 2

need to test that it is working as expected and disinfecting the instruments

Question 3

How do we test the steriliser?

Answer 3

use a bowie dick test for vacuum sterilisers - need full colour change

Question 4

What are the stages the washer disinfector goes though?

Answer 4

flush to remove gross debris
wash for any remaining soiling
rinse to remove soap residue
thermal disinfection
dry

Question 5

List 4 key personnel and their roles in decontamination

Answer 5

user: manage day to day running of decon. keep records
operator: authority to operate decon equip. replenish detergent solutions
manager: responsible for running of LDU
authorising engineer: provide advice. quarteryly test reports
maintenance engineer: repairs and maintenance of equipment

Question 6

What water do you use for decon and why?

Answer 6

you use RO water. low mineral content. produced in high volumes - can keep up with W/D
mains water has minerals which can deposit onto instruments and damage them
microorganisms in mains water will die and release endotoxins

Question 7

Why cant we use mains water for sterilisation?

Answer 7

guidance states we need de-min water
RO/Distilled/Sterile/De-I
stops organic and minerals material in water breaking down to endotoxins which can be harmful. and limescale

Question 8

How do we test the steam steriliser?

Answer 8

process controlled devices
bowie-dick (industry standard)
or helix
use temperature sensitive intelligent ink

Question 9

what other tests other than PCD are performed on the B type steriliser?

Answer 9

daily test

and weekly vacuum leak test and air detector function test

Question 10

Why do we need to run tests in decon?

Answer 10

• We need to be assured the machine is constantly producing a quality product.
• We also need to make sure it is producing the same quality product every time.
• The only way we can do this is to make sure the machine is performing properly by frequent testing.

Question 11

What is validation in decon?

Answer 11

A documented procedure for obtaining, recording and interpreting the results needed to show that a process will consistently yield a product complying with a pre-determined specification.

Question 12

what is the purpose of decontamination?

Answer 12

remove bio matter
make instruments safe for handling
reduce cross contamination

Question 13

what are the recomendations for manual washing

Answer 13

water temp <35
enzyme or pH neutral detergent
under the water
wear PPE
follow work instructions
immerse (if instruments can be)
non-immersion for lumened items
plastic brush
rinse after cleaning

Question 14

What are the reccommendations for ultrasonic cleaning?

Answer 14

fill to correct level
use enzymatic or pH neutral detergent
run degassing cycle

Question 15

Why is the first step of the decon process not manual cleaning?

Answer 15

risk of sharps
contaminations
aerosols
cross contamination
so w/d is used first
as full automated

Question 16

What is the decontamination cycle?

Answer 16

acquisition

cleaning - disinfection - inspection - (disposal) - packaging - sterilisation - transport - storage - use - transport

Question 17

In the decontamination cycle - what specific requirements have to be named at all stages?

Answer 17

facilities
location
equipment
management
policies/procedures

Question 18

What is the difference between a policy and a procedure?

Answer 18

policy is a guiding principle used to set direction in an organisation

procedure is series of steps to follow as consistent repetition to get to end result

Question 19

with which steriliser can you place in packaged items and items with lumens?

Answer 19

type b steriliser - need the vacuum

Question 20

What are weekly tests required on a type B steriliser?

Answer 20

vacuum leak test
air detector function test
steam penetration test (helix or bowie dick)
plus daily test

Question 21

What weekly tests are required on a type N steriliser?

Answer 21

daily test

steam penetration test (chemical test strip)

Question 22

What are the steriliser conditions?

Answer 22

134-137 degrees
2.1-2.2 bar
3 mins

Question 23

What is written on a pre-packaged label for sterilisation?

Answer 23

date of sterilisation
method
where
expiration date

Question 24

What are features of storing sterilised products?

Answer 24

packaged need to be kept dry
separate room
non-packaged is kept in a box
sorted by date - closest to expiration at the front

Question 25

why is waste segregated?

Answer 25

infection control
environmental protection
confidentiality

Question 26

what are 3 streams of waste?

Answer 26

clinical
non clinical
special