how do we know we are doing it right

Question 1

what is the life cycle for instruments

Answer 1

• cleaning → disinfection → inspection → packaging → sterilisation → transport→ storage → use → transport and repeat

Question 2

what does the life cycle diagram show

Answer 2

• the mandatory stages that our instruments must be subject to when processing

Question 3

what does the flow line document show

Answer 3

• recommendations for how we should manage the path of our instruments through the LDU

Question 4

what does GLAS stand for

Answer 4

• guidance, legislation and standards

Question 5

what is the guidance for

Answer 5

• a series f documents designed as a means of directing people working within decontamination to the correct processes, testing regimes, designation, stipulations and requirement

Question 6

what are the guidance documents called

Answer 6

• Scottish Health Technical Memorandum (SHTM)

Question 7

what documents do we currently use for guidance

Answer 7

• SHTM 2010 → sterilisation

- SHTM 2030 → for cleaning and disinfection

Question 8

what does the guidance documents tell sus

Answer 8

• it has rolls designations and descriptions
• the steps our decontamination process should consist of
• identifies equipment we should use to achieve the required steps

Question 9

what should be tested daily

Answer 9

• automatic control test
• check spray arm for rotation
• check spray nozzles for blockage
• remove and clean strainers/filters

Question 10

what should be tested weekly

Answer 10

• carry out daily test

- cleaning efficacy

Question 11

what should be tested quarterly

Answer 11

• daily and weekly tests
• safety checks
• basic function of engineering services
• thermometric tests for disinfection
• chemical purity
• doors and interlocks

Question 12

what should be tested yearly

Answer 12

• daily, weekly and quarterly tests
• automatic control test
• verification of WD instrument calibration
• water system purity
• chemical dosing
• channel potency
• self disinfection
• ultrasonic activity
• load carrier temperature
• over temperature protection
• cleaning efficacy

Question 13

who carries out the maintenance checks

Answer 13

• by an approved person

Question 14

who carries out periodic testing

Answer 14

• should be carried out by a competent person

Question 15

how do we know the right people are carrying out the tests

Answer 15

• because the document informs us of the Authorising Engineer for Decontamination
• the individual who verifies, on an annual basis, all of this work has been carried out and to the relevant standard

Question 16

what is the legislation for

Answer 16

• the legal obligation to operate any form of decontamination facility in-line with any official guidance provided
• it is a serious affair and GDC actively prosecute those who do not comply
• in different areas of the world there are different sets of legislation relevant

Question 17

what are the standards

Answer 17

• series of high quality technical document that govern the way in which our facilities and equipment should be operated, the standard that it should b produced to, and amongst other things, how the equipment and processes are tested and verified

Question 18

why do we not test the instrument sterility

Answer 18

• we test the processes and equipment instead

- in order t test the instrument sterility we would need to contaminate them again

Question 19

what standards to SHTM 2010 reference

Answer 19

• BS EN 285

Question 20

what standards to SHTM 2030 reference

Answer 20

• BS EN 15883

Question 21

what do manufacturers have an obligation to do

Answer 21

• provide all their equipment already in compliance with associated standard and capable of being tested in line with any processes outlined