decontamination science Flashcards
why do we clean before sterilisation
legal requirement
functionality - biological matter could clog the instruments preventing them from working
biological contamination - not cleaning could lead to spread of infection and cross contamination which causes misdiagnosis (ie biopsy)
makes instruments safe to handle and inspect
ensure steam contacts all surfaces of the instruments during the sterilisation process
list 6 daily tests for washer disinfector
spray arms rotate
jets are free from blockage
door seal is clean and not damaged
chemical level is correct
condition of load carrier
disinfection temperature of the first cycle of the day
ways to load the washer disinfector
no overlaps or shadowing
no overloading
assemblies have been disassembled
restorative materials have been removed before hand
forceps are open at the hinge in a way they will remain open
sterilisation measurements
134-137 degrees C
3 mins
2.05-2.35 bar above atmospheric pressure
how do you inspect instruments and what are you looking for during inspection
under an illuminated magnifier
verifies that the washer disinfector process has been successful, there is no contamination still present, and the instruments are functional and not damaged
give an example for immersion and non immersion manual cleaning
immersion: probe
non immersion: handpiece
what are some steps taken before using the ultra sonic bath
it should be filled to the required level
chemicals added as per the manufacturers instructions
de-gas cycle is ran before any other cycles
same loading recommendations as washer disinfectors
handpieces should not be process in the ultra sonic
after manually washing the instrument it should be processed back through the washer disinfector because of the disinfection stage - this makes it safe for staff to handle and inspect
list some daily and weekly tests for sterilisers
all equipment - check the door seal for damage and contamination, check the load carrier for damage, check the chamber for debris, fill and drain the water daily
type - B required tests
bowie-dick (steam penetration) - done daily
air leakage test - done weekly
air detector function test - done weekly
how does the type - N steriliser work
‘gravity displacement’ steriliser boils and turns purified water into steam, increasing the pressure in the chamber
can only process rigid steel instruments, which should be wrapped as soon as they are taken out of the type - N steriliser
how does the type - B steriliser work
‘vacuum capable’ steriliser actively removes air from the chamber, creating a vacuum that rapidly draws steam in from the generator
after sterilisation the machine draws another vacuum for drying, allowing water to vaporise at lower temperatures
can process wrapped instruments, channelled and lumened instruments, and porous loads such as cotton swabs
what safety measures must be carried out at all stages
transporting equipment correctly
using required PPE
disposing of items in the appropriate waste stream
single use items are managed correctly
sterile instrumentation is stored correctly
what records must be kept at all stages
training records for all staff on all equipment and processes
machine printouts and cycle data
validation and testing records must be up to date
maintenance register for equipment
record faults and failures
what guidance must be followed for decontamination units
Scottish Health Technical Memorandum 01-01
what safety measures must be done at all stages
PPE
transport of equipment
storage of sterile instruments (no contaminants or moisture)
single use instruments are handled correctly
appropriate waste stream usage
what staff measures must be done at all stages
correct PPE
understand the process
trained in all stages
safe working
aware of dangers of decontamination
