stuart smith lectures

Question 1

spaulding classification

Answer 1

classifies objects depending on their risk factor snd identifies their required cleaning process

Question 2

spaulding classification critical items

Answer 2

equipment that has penetrated soft tissues, contacted bone or entered blood stream
e.g forceps, scalpels
requires cleaning and sterilisation

Question 3

spaulding classification semi critical items

Answer 3

comes into contact with non intact skin or mucous membranes
e.g dental mirror
requires cleaning and high level disinfection

Question 4

spaulding classification non critical items

Answer 4

only in contact with intact skin or mucous membranes
e.g light handle, chair
requires cleaning and low level disinfection

Question 5

what is the 9 stages in an instruments cycle from cleaning to use

Answer 5

cleaning - disinfection - inspection - packaging - sterilisation - transport - storage - use - transport
repeat

Question 6

what is the recommended method of cleaning instruments

Answer 6

using a automated washer - disinfector
removes biological matter from the surface e.g blood

Question 7

Why shouldn’t water used for manual cleaning exceed 35 degrees

Answer 7

above 35 degrees proteins coagulate making them more difficult to remove

Question 8

what PPE is required if carrying out manual cleaning

Answer 8

apron , visor , heavy duty rubber gloves, normal gloves

Question 9

What are the 2 methods of manual cleaning

Answer 9

immersion - brush used to scrub instruments whilst they are immersed in water
non immersion - cloth used to clean instruments above surface of water

Question 10

When would an ultrasonic bath be used during instrument cleaning and how does it work

Answer 10

used as a backup for washer disinfector
uses soundwaves to create bubbles which have scouring effect on instruments

Question 11

drawbacks to ultrasonic bath when cleaning instruments

Answer 11

only cleans , doesn’t clean AND disinfect like washer - disinfector
contaminated water remains in chamber after removal from instrument so recontamination risk

Question 12

what are 1st choice 2nd choice and 3rd choice cleaning methods

Answer 12

1st choice is always washer disinfector - this is a legal requirement to do this as first step of decontamination
If inspection fails and instrument still contaminated
1st backup = ultrasonic bath then washer disinfector
if still contaminated
2nd backup = manual washing then washer disinfector

Question 13

drawbacks to manual cleaning

Answer 13

room for human error
labour intensive

Question 14

what type of water should be used for steam sterilisation

Answer 14

purified water - distilled/ deionised etc
organics, minerals and microorganisms removed

Question 15

what are the 3 types of steriliser

Answer 15

type N - basic
Type B - most robust , vaccum capable
type S - specialised

Question 16

Why does a type N steriliser carry more of a contamination risk than Type B and Type S sterilisers

Answer 16

It cant process wrapped instruments therefore when steriliser door opened before instruments bagged there is a risk of contamination

Question 17

what temperature should dental sterilisers run at and for how long

Answer 17

134-137 degrees for at least 3 mins

Question 18

what are 2 daily checks that should be carried out on a steriliser

Answer 18

door seal , any remaining debris in chamber, water level

Question 19

what is the Sinner cycle and what are the 4 elements involved

Answer 19

describes the 4 basic factors that contribute to succesful cleaning
time
energy
chemicals
temperature

Question 20

what is the purpose of detergent molecules having hydrophillic and hydrophobic ends

Answer 20

hydrophobic draws decontamination off instruments and hydrophillic ensures that decontamination is washed away with water

Question 21

what temperature and time should be used for thermal disinfection

Answer 21

90-95 degrees for at least 1 min

Question 22

discuss the sinner cycle elements for manual washing

Answer 22

time - dependent on operator
chemicals - pH neutral detergent
Temperature - less than 35 degrees
energy - scrubbing with brush

(tap water)

Question 23

discuss the sinner cycle elements for ultrasonic bath

Answer 23

time - 20 mins *
chemicals - pH neutral detergent
Temperature - less than 35 degrees C
energy - cavitation bubbles

(tap water)

Question 24

discuss the sinner cycle elements for washer - disinfector

Answer 24

time - 55 mins *
chemicals - low alkaline or high alkaline p H detergent
temperature - less than 65 degrees C
energy - water jets

(cleaning stages can use tap water)

Question 25

discuss the sinner cycle elements for thermal disinfection

Answer 25

time - at least 1 min
chemicals - no chemicals
temp - 90 - 95 degrees C
energy - water jets

(water less than 30ms conducitvity)

Question 26

discuss the sinner cycle elements for steam sterilisation

Answer 26

time - at least 3 mins
chemicals - no chemicals
temp - 134 -137 degrees C
energy - steam

(purified water)

Question 27

whats included within the scottish health technical memorandum

Answer 27

testing requirements for decontamination equipment
contains role designations and descriptions and process definitions and descriptions

Question 28

how frequently do sterilisers need to be professionally checked

Answer 28

annually