decontamination Flashcards
what is a ‘critical device’?
a device that penetrates soft tissues, makes contact with bone and enters or contacts the bloodstream or normally sterile tissue
what is a ‘semi-critical’ device?
a device that comes into contact with non-intact skin or mucous membrane, but does not penetrate soft tissue or make contact with the bloodstream, bone or normally sterile tissue
what is a ‘non-critical device’?
a device that only comes into contact with the skin and intact mucous membrane
give examples of a critical device
surgical and biospy instruments
forceps
give examples of semi-critical devices
dental mirrors
anaesthetic syringes
give an example of a non-critical device
chair light handle
how should a critical device be reprocessed?
cleaned and then sterilised
how should a semi-critical device be reprocessed?
cleaned and subject to high-level disinfection
steam sterilisation preferred
how should a non-critical device be reprocessed?
cleaning followed by low level disinfection
describe the life cycle for processing instruments
cleaning
disinfection
inspection
packaing
sterilisation
transport
storage
use
transport
back to cleaning
give 5 reasons as to why instruments must be cleaned as the first stage of the cycle
- functionality of instrumentation
- to minimise the spread of contamination
- to prevent failed procedures (biopsy)
- to achieve steam contact
- it is a legal requirement
what is the recommended cleaning method for dental instruments?
automated process in a washer-disinfector
back up method- ultrasonic bath
manual cleaning should only be carried out if it is the only option
what are the 2 types of steam steriliser?
vacuum (type B)
non-vacuum (type N)
how does the scottish health technical memorandum define an ‘operator’?
a person, designated by management, with the authority to operate a WD. their duties may include the noting of WD instrument readings, replenishment of consumable items, such as detergent and simple housekeeping
what PPE is required to carry out manual cleaning of instruments?
an apron
face shield
rubber gloves
describe the requirements of the sinks used for manual cleaning
dedicated sink for manual washing only
separate sink used for rinsing the instruments
describe the requirements for the water used for manual cleaning
standard portable water/tap water can be used
water must be between 30-35C
>35C causes proteins to coagulate, making them more difficult to remove
describe the requirements of the chemical detergents used in manual cleaning
should be formulated specifically for manual cleaning, generally an enzymatic or pH neutral detergent
manufacturers instructions should always be followed
why is a metallic brush never used for manual cleaning?
could damage the instrumentation
why should instruments be scrubbed below the water during manual cleaning?
- instruments must be in contact with water and detergent solution
- while carrying out the process it is essential to minimuse splashing to avoid contamination of surroundings
- scrubbing above surface has potential to create aerosols
give 3 examples of when it would be appropriate to carry out manual cleaning
- it is specifically recommended by manufacturer’s instructions
- no other alternative
- the automated process of the ultrasonic or WD has failed to remove the contamination
how does the ultrasonic bath operate?
uses soundwaves at very high frequencies to produce bubbles that implode and have a scouring effect against the hard surface of the instruments
explain the process of cavitation
sound waves pass through the water and cause micro bubbles to form
the fluctuation in pressures the sound waves induce cause bubbles to rapidly expand and then collapse
what is the operating temperature of the ultrasonic bath?
20-30C
what is the purpose of a degas cycle during ultrasonic cleaning?
there are gas/air bubbles inside water normally
during ultrasonic process, any bubbles created will collapse into these air bubbles
this effects efficacy of equipment and prevents proper cleaning of instrumentation
what are the 5 stages of the automated washer- disinfector?
- flush/prewash
- main wash
- rinse
- thermal disinfection
- drying
what temperature must each stage of the washer-disinfector be carried out at?
- flush/prewash= <35C
- MAIN WASH= depends on chemical used
- rinse= <65 degrees
- thermal disinfection= 90-95C for a minimum of 1 minute
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