Manual Washing & Cleaning

Question 1

Why is manual cleaning important?

Answer 1

• removal of surface contamination
  
  • proteins
  • prions (CJD)

Question 2

Where must manual cleaning be carried out?

Answer 2

• dedicated sink
  
  • solely for manual cleaning
  • no hand washing

Question 3

What water must be used for manual cleaning?

Answer 3

• standard tap water
  
  • 30-35 degrees
    
    • above can coagulate proteins
    • more difficult to remove

Question 4

What chemical detergents must be used for manual cleaning?

Answer 4

• chemical detergent formulated for manual cleaning
  
  • enzymatic or pH neutral
• follow manufacturers instructions for dosing

Question 5

What are the two different methods of manual cleaning?

Answer 5

• immersion
• non-immersion

Question 6

How should manual cleaning be carried out?

Answer 6

• instruments scrubbed below surface
  
  • long handled, soft bristle brush
  • instruments in contact with solution
  • minimised splashing
  • no aerosol production

Question 7

When should manual cleaning be carried out?

Answer 7

• specified by manufacturers instructions
• no alternative
• ultrasonic or WD has failed to remove

Question 8

How do ultrasonic baths work to remove contamination?

Answer 8

• high frequency sound waves
  
  • bubbles produced
  • bubbles implode
    
    • scouring effect
• process is called cavitation

Question 9

What is the automated cleaning cycle of an ultrasonic cleaner?

Answer 9

• operating temperature
  
  • 20-30 degrees
• filled with tap water
  
  • required volume marked on chamber
• chemical added to water
  
  • manufactures instructions
• cycle run with empty chamber
  
  • establish at validation

Question 10

Why must an ultrasonic cleaner be run with an empty load initially?

Answer 10

• air bubbles contained within water
  
  • bubbles created collapse into these
  • reduced efficacy