decontamination revision lecture Flashcards
define decontamination
a combination of processes including cleaning, disinfection and sterilisation which, together, render a reusable medical device free from contaminants and safe for reuse
what are the most resistant types of bacteria?
prions and endospores of bacteria (prions more so)
name 5 types of SICP
hand hygiene, PPE, safe disposal of waste and sharps, environmental cleanliness and occupational exposure management
what is the purpose of SICPs?
to protect yourself and others
What is COSHH and what is its purpose?
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health, purpose is to protect yourself and others
give 3 statements from COSHH
employers must:
assess health risks from hazardous substances in the workplace
prevent employees from being exposed to hazardous substances or, if unavoidable, control their risk
prepare procedures to deal with any incidents
what must a practitioners policy for acquiring medical devices include?
review of manufacturer’s instructions and decontamination processes before purchase
documented specifications for the device
requirement for medical devices purchased to have the appropriate CE mark
requirement for new devices to meet current standards and be acceptable to both practitioners and decontamination staff
requirement for the correct medical devices to be purchased that can withstand repeated exposures to decontamination processes
what is the purpose of a batch code?
allows faulty devices to be traced back to a batch for recall
what is the purpose of a serial number?
it is a device’s unique identifier
when may single use instruments be favoured?
when there is a high risk of infection, when a reusable item is difficult to clean or when it is more economical or practical
what is the manufacturer’s device directive?
defines the info manufacturers are required to provide for users of their products
what does a CE mark indicate?
that a medical device satisfies the requirements of the MDD, making it fit for use
what is the first stage of the decontamination process?
cleaning
what is the aim of cleaning?
to remove all physical contamination as debris may interfere with sterilisation, increase the risk of infection for staff handling the instruments or damage the surface of the instruments therefore affecting the functionality of the device
why is automated cleaning favoured?
it is reproducible and more effective
why are 3 sinks required for manual cleaning?
sinks for washing, rinsing and hand washing must be kept separate
why should CHx or hibiscrub not be used for cleaning of steel instruments?
these agents make proteins stick to steel
what kind of brush should be used for manual cleaning?
long handled, soft bristle brush, not metal
what do enzymatic detergents do?
they contain molecules which break down proteins, fats and starch
why should instruments be immersed in water rather than run under a tap?
to prevent aerosols
what type of lid should an ultrasonic cleaner have?
an interlocking lid to prevent aerosols and opening mid-cycle
what other features should an ultrasonic cleaner have?
chamber tap drain, time and temperature controls, printer
how often should washing solution be changed in an ultrasonic cleaner?
every 4 hours or more frequently if contaminated