Decontaminating Instruments & Other Key Elements

Question 1

Why is the period of time after the instruments are used such an important factor in decontamination?

Answer 1

Blood or biological matter can start to dry in & stubbornly adhere to the surface of the instruments
- aim to have the shortest time between use & processing

Question 2

what are the 4 four key elements of the sinner circle?

Answer 2

• energy
• temperature
• chemicals
• time

Question 3

What is conductivity of water?

Answer 3

the total dissolved solids of water, as water travels from source to point of use it picks up particulate along the way such as
- minerals
- silicates
- organic
- metals

Question 4

What should be used to sterilised instruments?

Answer 4

Purified water

Question 5

What are the different types of detergents used to clean instruments?

Answer 5

• high and low alkaline detergent for enclosed processes (not in contact with skin)
• enzymatic detergent breaks protein down into smaller particles (ultrasonic & manual washing use)
• pH neutral detergent is less harmful to operators skin (used for manual washing)

Question 6

How do detergents clean instruments?

Answer 6

The chemical molecule has hydrophilic and hydrophobic ends
- hydrophobic end never contacts water due to repulsion, contamination is drawn here
- hydrophilic end attaches to water molecule and allows contamination to be washed away alongside it

Question 7

Where does the ‘energy’ originate from to clean instruments in manual cleaning?

Answer 7

scrubbing brush and operator

Question 8

Where does the ‘energy’ originate from to clean instruments in Ultrasonic bath?

Answer 8

high frequency sound waves causing cavitation

Question 9

Where does the ‘energy’ originate from to clean instruments in washer disinfector?

Answer 9

high pressure water jet or spray

Question 10

How is the sinner circle different in relation to the ultrasonic bath?

Answer 10

• energy is the largest part of the process
• the cycle time is short (20 mins or less)

Question 11

At what temperature will thermal disinfection of instruments occur at & for what length of time should it be kept at this temperature?

Answer 11

90-95 degrees

1 minute minimum

Question 12

At what temperature will steam disinfection of instruments occur at & for what length of time should it be kept at this temperature?

Answer 12

134-137 degrees

3 minutes minimum