Patient Safety Flashcards
define sterile.
The theoretical probability of there being viable micro-organisms present is < or equal to 1 x10-6
define operator.
Person with authority to operate a steriliser/washer disinfector
This includes those involved in noting of device reading and housekeeping duties
what guidance do we use for the decontamination process?
SHTM 2010 & 2030
List the stages the washer disinfector goes through. (5)
Flush/prewash - saturates the contaminated instruments
Main wash - Detergents are used at this stage to increase the effectiveness
Rinse - removes residue
Removing prions/vCDJ:
Thermal disinfection - actively killing microorganisms with heated water
Drying - removes moisture before sterilisation
what temperature is the flush/prewash stage of the washer disinfector? - why?
< 35 degrees (to prevent coagulation of proteins)
what temperature is the main wash stage of the washer disinfector?
Depends on the chemicals used (generally 45-65 degrees)
what temperature is the rinse stage of the washer disinfector?
< 65 degrees
what temperature is the thermal disinfection stage of the washer disinfector and for how long?
Between 90 - 95 degrees for a minimum of 1 minute
what temperature is the drying stage of the washer disinfector?
No specific temperature but its usually between 90 - 110 degrees
list the order of decontamination.
HAND HYGIENE
DONN PPE
CHECKS
AWD
REMOVE AND REAPPLY PPE
remove moisture and INSPECTION
MANUAL WASHING AWD ULTRASONIC ??? RINSE STERILISATION
What areas should you inspect using the illuminated magnifier?
Check the hinge
Check the inside of the jaws of the instrument
after inspection of the instruments what do we use if they require further decontamination?
manual cleaning and then reprocessed in the AWD.
what happens to the instruments after the use of the AWD, inspection and manual cleaning?
reprocessed in the AWD
sterilise
how do we determine how to clean each instrument?
the spaulding classifications
according to the spaulding classifications, define critical instruments.
How are these decontaminated?
Devices that enter tissues i.e. PDL that are usually sterile or enter the vascular system
these require to be sterilised
according to the spaulding classifications, define semi-critical instruments and name how they are decontaminated.
Instruments which must have contact with an intact mucous membrane but does not penetrate sterile tissues
these require to be sterilised
according to the spaulding classifications, define non-critical instruments and name how they are decontaminated.
Instruments have contact with intact skin only
disinfected and cleaned
why do we need sterile instruments? (4)
Reduces probability of infection transmission
There is an international standard for surgical instruments
Legislative and professional standards i.e. GDC standards
In order to maintain a high quality of care for out patients
what are the properties of a transport container? (4)
Rigid, durable and leak proof
Tight fitting lid
Be easily cleaned and disinfected.
Be easily distinguishable
what are the 4 key elements to successful cleaning?
time
temperature
chemicals
energy
what temperatures prevent protein coagulation?
< 35 degrees.
what chemicals are used in the ultrasonic?
enzymatic detergents