Cleaning Lecture Notes

Flashcards about cleaning and decontamination processes in sterile processing.

What is the definition of cleaning in the context of medical device reprocessing?

The removal of all visible and non-visible soil and foreign materials from medical devices being reprocessed.

What standard is HVAC monitoring in healthcare organizations based on?

ANSI/ASHRAE/ASHE 170.

What is the minimum air exchange rate per hour required in the Decontamination area?

At least 10 air exchanges per hour.

Should the Decontamination area be under positive or negative air pressure?

Negative air pressure.

How quickly should an emergency eyewash/shower station be accessible?

Within 10 seconds or 30 meters of potential chemical exposure areas.

What are the key features of an emergency eyewash/shower station?

Permit hands-free operation, stay-open feature, have the ability to flush both eyes at the same time, and be connected to warm not hot water.

How often should emergency eyewash/shower stations be activated/tested?

Weekly and documented.

What are the essentials for hand hygiene in the decontamination area?

Handwashing and the use of germicidal agents.

Should a dedicated sink for hand hygiene be separate or combined with instrument sinks?

Should be separate from sinks used for instruments.

Where does the decontamination process begin?

At the point of use, by the end user.

How should instruments be handled in the decontamination process?

Gently, fully disassembled, and hinges opened.

Why should instruments be brushed in a to-and-fro motion under water?

To prevent aerosolization.

What type of brushes should be used for cleaning instruments unless stated otherwise in the IFU?

Nylon bristle brushes.

What is a unique challenge for cleaning orthopedic and neurological surgical instruments?

Fatty marrow soils.

How should power equipment be cleaned?

Manually cleaned; do not submerge or run through the mechanical washers.

How is mobile patient care equipment typically processed?

Requires different processing than surgical instruments, usually wiped down with mild cleaning agents and disinfectants.

How do ultrasonic cleaners clean?

Creating cavitation (Imploding Bubbles)

What items cannot be placed in sonic cleaners?

Chrome-plated instruments, glass, wood, cameras, silicone mats, and instruments with fiber optic components.

How do mechanical washers clean?

Spray-Force

What process occurs by the use of hot water in mechanical washers?

Thermal disinfection.

How often should washer traps/screens be inspected?

Inspect daily.

What should be used if a white scale appears in a mechanical washer?

An approved descaler.

What does protease break down?

Breaks down blood and other proteins.

What does lipase break down?

Breaks down fatty deposits.

What does amylase convert starch into?

Converts starch into sugars.

What chemicals should be avoided for cleaning instruments?

Abrasive cleaning compounds, saline, bleach, and any non-recommended chemicals by IFU.

What are the uses of utility water?

Flushing, washing, and rinsing.

What are the uses of critical water?

Applications requiring high purity levels.

Ideally, how many sink bays are in a decontamination area?

Three sink bays: washing, intermediate rinsing, and final critical rinsing.

What should the workflow be in the decontamination area?

From dirty to clean, and rinsing is the most important step within cleaning.

What is the temperature range for the wash sink and what should it contain?

80°F to 110°F with detergent or enzymatic solution.

What type of water should the intermediate rinse sink contain?

Utility or critical water.

What type of water must the final rinse sink contain?

Critical water.

What is the purpose of decontamination?

To remove or destroy bloodborne pathogens on an item's surface.