decontamination sciences - periodic testing and maintenance

Question 1

WD daily and weekly checks

carried out by on site personnel

Answer 1

• Checking the spray arms rotate and spray jets are not blocked
• Checking the door seal for damage or contamination
• Verifying the condition of the load carrier
• Checking there are no instruments (parts) from pervious cycles
• Making sure the strainer/filter is clear
• Making sure there is a sufficient amount of chemical
• Carrying out a protein detection test and soil test
• Noting disinfection temperatures on daily cycles
• Carrying out a full ACT

Question 2

daily and weekly checks for sterilisers (vacuum capable)

carried out by on site personnel

Answer 2

• Check the door seal for damage or contamination and clean
• Verify the condition of the load carrier and chamber
• Fill and drain water reservoirs on a daily basis
• Run air leakage test
• Run Bowie-Dick test cycle
• Run air detector function test
• Record daily sterilisation temperatures
• Carry out a full cycle ACT

Question 3

purpose of daily and weekly checks of equipment

Answer 3

check functionality of equipment on a day to day basis

Question 4

obligations in regards to equipment

Answer 4

• daily and weekly checks
• verify the components of machines are working correctly (e.g. chemicsl dose correctly - time and volume, timers, heaters)
• instruments providing temperature and pressure readings are providing accurate values
• safety devices and protocols of equipment in working order

Manufacturers can give guidance on maintenance guidance, and when parts may need replaced (e.g. sucation in chemical pump loose effectiveness, so needs replaced every 6months)

Question 5

trained personnel checks

Answer 5

• The temperature is reading correctly (have several probes throughout chamber to see how it is occuring in different parts)
• The pressure is reading correctly
• The chemicals are being dosed in the required volume
• The stage timer is accurate and correct
• The machine is heating correctly
• That all necessary valves/components are operational

able to prove they are qualified

done by Competent or Test person

Question 6

competent person provides
after tests

Answer 6

graphs and table records with all relevant data points

can be compared to the machine print outs to spot any irregularlties or deviations from desired set points (so faults)

Question 7

importance of equipment checks

Answer 7

means we do not need to test instruments after processing as we know that it is processed within the required limitations

thus free from any viable micro organisms

Question 8

testing requirements made by

Answer 8

SHTMs

Question 9

reports made by trained personnel inc

Answer 9

• Information for every test that is carried out, is recorded in the report.
• Calibration certificates for the equipment used to carry out the testing are included
• Certification from the Competent Person should also be included