Unit 9: instrument cleaning Flashcards
What are the basic steps to instrument cleaning
Destruction of microorganisms to prevent post surgical infections
Basic cleaning for instruments include
Presoaking
Decontaminating
Ultrasonic cleaning
Lubrication
Instrument inspection
Sterilization
What is presoaking
It is important to start presoaking the instruments immediately after surgery
The soiled instruments are placed in distilled water +/- detergent solution that is specifically approved for use with surgical instruments (HAEMO-SOL)
Tap water contributes to rust formation - use distilled water
No mechanical agitation
Purpose is to soften dried blood and debris
What is precleaning
The instruments are rinsed with distilled water to remove tissue and blood
Cool water
What is a decontamination of instruments
Manual cleaning in a commercial instrument detergent solution
Aids with breakdown of biological debris
Solution should be diluted with warm distilled water
Care should be taken to clean the instruments thoroughly without causing damage to them
What are the steps of decontamination for instruments
Prepare basin with warm water and detergent
Open all box locks and unlock ratchets. Gently place each instrument in the basin
Wash all surfaces of each instrument with a soft bristled brush. Pay attention to box locks, joints and serrations. Use a brushing motion directed away from you
Never use a wire brush – it will cause crevices in the instrument which can harbor pathogens
Rinse each instrument with distilled water
When do you use ultrasonic cleaning on instruments
After decontamination is complete, the instruments are put through an ultrasonic cleaner
Uses distilled water and chemicals/enzymes – ex. MetriClean 2
Enzymes assist in breakdown of organic debris
Most effective at the temp recommended by the manufacturer
how do you ultrasonic clean instruments
Especially important for hinged instruments or those with inaccessible areas (box locks)
Instruments should be in an open position for cleaning
Sound waves create tiny bubbles that form and collapse thousands of times/sec → they create a scrubbing effect known as cavitation
3-6 minutes, 110-130*F
Instruments may be damage if enzyme solution is too warm
Soli may heat-set on the instruments making it more difficult to clean if the solution is too warm
Rinse with distilled water after cleaning
If tap water is used, blot instruments to prevent mineral deposits/scale from forming
How do you lubricate instruments after cleaning
Prolongs the lifespan of the instruments and prevents rust and corrosion
Many types available
Baths or sprays
Sprays - spray onto open instruments on a towel and left to air dry
Use only fresh, clean solutions, follow instructions
Able to get into difficult to reach areas – leave a lubricating, microscopic film on the instruments
Most are steam permeable and don’t interfere with sterilization
How do you dry instruments
Lay instruments out flat in a lint free absorbent surface to dry
Ratchets and box locks should still be open
Cover the drying instruments with another layer of lint free absorbent material
How do you inspect instrumnets
When instruments are clean and dry, they should be individually checked for damage and their ability to function properly
Box locks should open and close smoothly
Ratchets should engage and disengage easily
Scissors should be sharp and cut smoothly
The jaws and teeth should not be mal-aligned
Instruments are now ready for wrapping and autoclaving
What is included in a pack recipe
The name and quantity of each instrument included in the pack
Types and quantities of supplies in each pack (ie: number of gauze sponges)
A photo or illustration of each instrument
Specify whether linen or paper is used to wrap the pack
Manufacturer guidelines for any instrument that requires handling and maintenance
Warranty information
Manufacturers contact info
How do you seal packs and what should you include
Include a steam chemical indicator strip in the pack
All packs should be double wrapped
Steam indicator tape is used to seal the pack (2 strips)
Type of pack, date of sterilization, initials of individual who prepared it
What are the four components to clippers
Blades
Lever/blade drive assembly
Causes blade to move back and forth to create cutting action
Latch
To attach blade
Motor
How do you hold clippers against patients
Always apply 1-2 drops of lubricant to the blades before use
Blades should only be used on clean coats
Always hold the clipper blade flat against the skin
Less traumatic - prevent clipper burn and/or cuts
Turn on clippers before approaching animal
How do you cool down blades
Cool down as needed – blades will heat up with use; heat can cause trauma to skin
Can turn off clipper and let rest
Can use commercial cooling spray
Not a substitute for a lubricant – always read manufacturer’s label
How do you use coolant sprays and lube on blades
Turn clippers off
Point clippers towards floor
Spray BACK of blade with only one short burst
Immediately turn the clipper over and oil the cutter teeth with clipper oil
Turn clippers on and continue
Note: DO NOT spray the font of the blade as the solvent will remove the lubricant making the blade heat up even faster. If solvent enters the clipper casing, will affect carbon brushes
Could also give the clippers a rest before continuing to use
Require cleaning, oil (lubricant), and disinfection after each use
How do you clean a clipper blade
Wipe outside of clipper unit
Remove excess dirt and hair with a bristle brush
When blade is cool, submerge only the cutting tip of clipper blade in bowl with blade wash solution (ex. Oster Blade Wash)
Run blade for 5 – 8 seconds
Remove blade from clipper and lay on towel to dry
DO NOT use until dry
Use plastic bowl (metal will dull tips if blade accidentally touches)
May need multiple blades per day depending on caseload
Oil and Disinfect
Part of the cleaning process after each use
Once dry, hold the clipper blade side down and spray with a disinfecting spray
Place a few drops of clipper oil between the upper and lower blades while the motor is running
As it is running, the excess oil and hair will run off the clipper blade
Blades should never be dry – lube as needed
What are the monthly maintenance of the clipper
Open vents on bottom to clean out hair and dust
Grease levels are checked
Remove face plate, make sure it is clean and adequate levels
Replace grease every 6 months
Oil ball bearing (drive mechanism/armature gear)
Check carbon brushes
Replace as needed – always replace both
Make sure put in properly
Inspect drive lever for wear
