Decon Flashcards
Why do we need to do manual cleaning?
remove gross debris which would inhibit sterilisation
wash off prions
allows checking of instruments
Why do we need to test washer/disinfector?
need to test that it is working as expected and disinfecting the instruments
How do we test the steriliser?
use a bowie dick test for vacuum sterilisers - need full colour change
What are the stages the washer disinfector goes though?
flush to remove gross debris wash for any remaining soiling rinse to remove soap residue thermal disinfection dry
List 4 key personnel and their roles in decontamination
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
What water do you use for decon and why?
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
Why cant we use mains water for sterilisation?
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
How do we test the steam steriliser?
process controlled devices
bowie-dick (industry standard)
or helix
use temperature sensitive intelligent ink
what other tests other than PCD are performed on the B type steriliser?
daily test
and weekly vacuum leak test and air detector function test
Why do we need to run tests in decon?
- 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.
What is validation in decon?
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.
what is the purpose of decontamination?
remove bio matter
make instruments safe for handling
reduce cross contamination
what are the recomendations for manual washing
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
What are the reccommendations for ultrasonic cleaning?
fill to correct level
use enzymatic or pH neutral detergent
run degassing cycle
Why is the first step of the decon process not manual cleaning?
risk of sharps contaminations aerosols cross contamination so w/d is used first as full automated
What is the decontamination cycle?
acquisition
cleaning - disinfection - inspection - (disposal) - packaging - sterilisation - transport - storage - use - transport
In the decontamination cycle - what specific requirements have to be named at all stages?
facilities location equipment management policies/procedures
What is the difference between a policy and a procedure?
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
with which steriliser can you place in packaged items and items with lumens?
type b steriliser - need the vacuum
What are weekly tests required on a type B steriliser?
vacuum leak test
air detector function test
steam penetration test (helix or bowie dick)
plus daily test
What weekly tests are required on a type N steriliser?
daily test
steam penetration test (chemical test strip)
What are the steriliser conditions?
134-137 degrees
2.1-2.2 bar
3 mins
What is written on a pre-packaged label for sterilisation?
date of sterilisation
method
where
expiration date
What are features of storing sterilised products?
packaged need to be kept dry
separate room
non-packaged is kept in a box
sorted by date - closest to expiration at the front
why is waste segregated?
infection control
environmental protection
confidentiality
what are 3 streams of waste?
clinical
non clinical
special
