Sterilisation Flashcards
Spaulding classification of a critical device
a device that penetrates soft tissues, makes contact with bone and enters/contacts bloodstream or normally sterile tissue
reprocessing & egs of a critical device
device must be cleaned and then sterilised e.g. surgical & biopsy instruments, forceps
Spaulding classification of a semi-critical device
device that comes into contact with non-intact skin / mucous membrane but does not penetrate soft tissue or make contact with the bloodstream, bone or normally sterile tissue
reprocessing & egs of a semi-critical device
device must be cleaned and subject to high-level disinfection, steam sterilisation preferred e.g. dental mirrors, anaesthetic syringes
Spaulding classification of non-critical device
device that only comes into contact with the skin and intact mucous membrane
reprocessing & egs of non-critical device
cleaning follow by low level disinfection e.g. chair light handle
describe cycle for processing instruments (9)
- cleaning
- disinfection
- inspection - disposal; either scrap or return to lender
- packaging
- sterilisation
- transport
- storage
- use
- transport
what is the first step in processing cycle
cleaning - to remove biological matter from surface of instruments
why must instruments be cleaned at the 1st stage (5)
- functionality of instrumentation
- to minimise spread of contamination
- to prevent failed procedures (biopsy)
- to achieve steam contact
- legal requirement
what is the recommended cleaning method and what should be used if this is not available
recommended = washer-disinfector
back up is ultrasonic bath
manual cleaning should only be carried out if only option available
what happens after all visible contamination has been removed
processed through steam steriliser (can use vacuum or non vacuum machines)
what machines are used for steam sterilisation and which is best
type B - vacuum
type N - non vacuum
vacuum is better
PPE required for manual cleaning
apron
visor
rubber gloves
heavy duty rubber gloves
water must be what temperature for manual cleaning and why
30-35 degrees; anything more than this can cause proteins to coagulate making them more difficult to remove
2 different methods of manual cleaning
immersion
non-immersion
what kind of brush should be used in manual cleaning
long handled, soft bristled brush
why scrub below the surface of the water
- instruments must be in contact with water and detergent solution
- essential to minimise splashing which will contaminate surroundings
- scrubbing above the surface has the potential to produce aerosols
when should manual cleaning be carried out
- if specifically recommended by manufacturer’s instructions for processing
- if there is no other alternative i.e. all automated equipment is out of service
- the automated process of the ultrasonic or WD has failed to remove contamination
describe the cavitation process in the ultrasonic
fluctuation in pressures the sound waves induce cause the bubbles to rapidly expand and then collapse
what is the operating temp for the ultrasonic bath
20-30 degrees
how to run the ultrasonic bath
machine filled with tap water to required volume
chemical added based upon MI
cycle ran for specific period of time established at validation
what must happen the ultrasonic bath before any cycles are run
a degas cycle - chamber filled with water and detergent & ran.
this is to remove air bubbles which could affect the efficacy of the equipment and prevent proper cleaning