Decontamination Introduction Flashcards
who is an operator
any person with authority to operate a steriliser/ washer-disinfector including the noting of device readings and simple housekeeping duties
what is the document used for decontamination units
scottish health planning note 13
what does the spaulding classification divide instruments into
whether to sterilise, disinfect or clean
what devices are classed as critical
devices that enter tissue that is usually sterile or enters the vascular system
need to sterilise
eg - straight handpieces for raising bone flaps
what devices are semi-critical
instruments that have contact with intact mucous membranes but does not penetrate sterile tissue
sterilise preferably or high level disinfectant
eg - dental mirror, handpieces
what devices are classed as non-critical
instruments that have contacts with intact skin only
disinfect or clean these instruments
why is there a need for sterile instruments
reduces probability of infection transmission
international standard for surgical instruments
legislative and professional standards
maintaining high quality of care foir patients
what should all dental instruments be at the time and point of use
vacuum sterile (type B) since non-vacuum sterilisers cannot get into heads of dental handpieces
what is the definition of sterile
theoretical probability of there being a viable micro-organism present on or in the device shall be equal or less than 1x10 to the power of -6
what is the life cycle of re-usable surgical instruments
acquisition
cleaning
disinfection
inspection
packaging
sterilisation
transport
storage
use
transport
what are some viruses that can be transmitted through contaminated dental instruments
HIV
hepatitis B/C
herpes simplex
vCJD
give examples of non-critical devices
ECG machines, oximeters, blood pressure cuffs
