The Machines Have Taken Over

Question 1

What is an AWD?

Answer 1

Automatic Washer-Disinfector
Machine that automatically cycle through stages each with a purpose to clean instruments, thermally disinfect and dry

Question 2

What are the AWD stages?

Answer 2

Flush/Prewash
Main wash
Rinse
Thermal disinfection
Drying

Question 3

What happens in the flush/prewash stage?

Answer 3

Saturates the contamination and removes gross contamination
Less than 35º

Question 4

What happens in the main wash stage?

Answer 4

Stage is supplemented by detergent to more effectively remove biological matter
Temp dependent on chemical used for process

Question 5

What happens in the rinse stage?

Answer 5

Removes any remaining residue, biological or chemical before disinfection
Temp less than 65º

Question 6

What happens in the thermal disinfection stage?

Answer 6

Actively kills microorganisms with the use of heated water
Must be between 90 - 95º for a minimum of 1 minute

Question 7

What happens in the drying stage?

Answer 7

Uses hot air to remove any remaining moisture from the surface of the instruments
No specified temp but generally 100º (hot air)

Question 8

Why are WD’s used in the first stage of the decontamination process?

Answer 8

Why bother manual cleaning if a machine can do it
Fresh water for each stage removes contamination from the surface of the instruments, but removes it from the machine entirely
Thermal disinfection makes the instrumentation safe for staff to handle so a thorough inspection can take place before steam sterilisation
Machine is consistent
Traceability - printable record of each cycle

Question 9

What are the daily checks of the WD?

Answer 9

1. Check that the sprays arms spin freely without obstruction
2. Check the spray jets on the spray arms aren’t blocked
3. Make sure there is no debris on the strainer/filter and that there are no parts of instruments or any other blockages
4. Check the condition of the door seal and wipe and clean if necessary
5. Verify there is a suitable amount of chemical in the reservoir
6. Record the disinfection temp of the first cycle every day (an ACT)

Question 10

What are the loading requirements of a WD?

Answer 10

The available load carrier/basket furniture must be used
Clip trays must be used and positioned correctly
No overlapping or shadowing of equipment
Hinged instruments must be opened at the hinge
All assemblies should be disassembled beforehand

Question 11

How is inspection carried out?

Answer 11

After the WD process is finished
Instruments must be inspected for damage or to see if there is still contamination present
An illuminated magnifier is used for this

Question 12

What happens if an instrument is still contaminated on inspection after a WD cycle?

Answer 12

It can be processed through the ultrasonic bath or manually cleaned