Decontamination Science Revision Lecture

Question 1

Discuss the container standards for transportation of contaminated instrumentation:

Answer 1

Container must be:
- Durable
- Leak proof
- Rigid sided
- Colour coded or clearly marked
- Tight fitting lid

Question 2

What is the first stage of WD decontamination?

Answer 2

Cleaning

Question 3

Why must we clean instruments?

Answer 3

• Medico-legal requirement
• Biological matter can impact function
• Minimises cross-contamination
• Biological substances prevent steam contact
• Reduces risk when handling instruments

Question 4

Discuss appropriate loading patterns of the washer-disinfector:

Answer 4

• No overlapping
• Do not overload
• Utilise the available load carrier
• All assemblies should be dissembled
• Forceps should be open at the hinge
• Restorative material should be removed

Question 5

What are the 5 stages of the washer-disinfector and state what they aim to achieve:

Answer 5

1. Flush = removes gross contamination
2. Wash = removes biological matter
3. Rinse = removes residue
4. Thermal disinfection = 90/95 degrees for 1 min
5. Drying = removes excess moisture

Question 6

What should you do following cleaning and disinfection?

Answer 6

Inspect instruments using an illuminated magnifier to check for residual contamination and functionality of instruments (eg any damage or corrosion)

Question 7

What PPE should be worn for manual cleaning of instruments?

Answer 7

• gloves
• heavy duty gloves
• apron
• face covering

Question 8

What are the requirements for manual cleaning?

Answer 8

• With chemicals
• <35 degrees celsius
• Under surface of water
• Use soft bristled brush

Question 9

What conditions should sterilizers reach?

Answer 9

1. 134-137 degrees celsius for 3 minutes
2. Pressure gauge 2.05-2.35 bar
3. Pressure absolute 3.05-3.35 bar

Question 10

Give examples of daily checks that should be carried out on sterilisers:

Answer 10

• check load carrier and chamber
• check door seal
• fill feed water reservoir
• drain used water reservoir
• record cycle information

Question 11

What instruments can be processed in a Type B steriliser?

Answer 11

• wrapped instruments
• channeled and lumened items

Question 12

What records should be kept for decon audit purposes?

Answer 12

• staff training records
• cycle date for traceability
• validation and testing reports
• asset register with maintenance intervals
• faults, failures and diagnostics