Instrument Cleaning Process – Lecture Review

Thirty question-and-answer style flashcards covering reception, pre-cleaning, manual cleaning techniques, tools, lumen care, biofilm prevention, and safety precautions during surgical instrument reprocessing.

What is the very first step when receiving soiled surgical goods?

Separate disposable items and waste materials from reusable instruments.

Why must great care be taken during reception of goods?

Because the chance of injuries (e.g., sharps) is highest at this stage.

Which action is performed on complex instruments during goods reception?

Disassembly of complex instruments.

What equipment is commonly used for pre-cleaning immediately after reception?

A water gun for preliminary rinsing.

List the three main cleaning methods available after sorting.

Manual cleaning, washer–disinfector cleaning, and ultrasonic cleaning.

What rule should be followed when placing large instrument sets on the workbench?

Place large sets into more than one tray instead of pouring them out.

For which types of items is manual cleaning especially recommended?

Delicate instruments, items with long or small lumens, and items that cannot be fully immersed.

What pH range should the manual cleaning solution have?

A neutral pH between 7 and 9.

During manual cleaning, why must the brush and instrument stay beneath the water surface?

To prevent aerosolization of contaminated droplets into the air.

Why are abrasive cleaners prohibited during manual cleaning?

They scratch instrument surfaces, creating niches for microorganisms.

Which instrument features require extra attention when brushing?

Serrations on ratchets, jaws, or teeth.

Why should the cleaning solution be changed frequently?

Because soil inactivates most disinfectants, reducing cleaning efficacy.

After manual cleaning, what is the immediate next step?

Thorough rinsing of the instruments.

What is the purpose of external brushes in manual cleaning?

To scrub the outside surfaces of instruments.

What cleaning aid is essential for hollow instruments?

Internal brushes sized to the lumen’s diameter and length.

Why are steel brushes discouraged for stainless-steel instruments?

They damage the protective passive layer, leading to corrosion.

Which cleaning aid is preferred for delicate optics?

A sponge or soft towel.

What tool is vital for flushing lumens under pressure?

A spray gun with appropriate nozzles.

Name two safety measures when using a hand shower for initial rinsing.

Use a deep basin and wear gloves and a mask (or splash screen).

What water temperature is recommended for removing blood during the initial rinse?

Cold water only.

Before cleaning, how should lumen-containing devices be prepared?

Presoak them in a tall container and disassemble complex parts.

How is cleaning solution forced through a narrow lumen?

By using a syringe or other flushing device.

What inspection tool verifies cleanliness inside lumens?

A lighted magnifying glass or borescope.

How often should cleaning brushes themselves be reprocessed?

They must be cleaned and disinfected daily.

Why is friction critical in cleaning lumened devices?

It physically loosens debris and disrupts potential biofilm.

What are biofilms, and why are they problematic?

Sticky microbial layers that adhere to surfaces and resist disinfectants.

Which chemical can be used to flush lumens to ensure no blood remains?

Hydrogen peroxide.

How can the formation of biofilm be minimized?

By starting the cleaning process immediately after instrument use.

Why are bacteria within biofilms hard to eliminate?

They have increased resistance to most disinfectants.

What overarching principle ensures successful lumen decontamination?

Adhering strictly to pre-cleaning and cleaning guidelines for flow direction, chemical concentration, and friction.