Cleaning and Decontamination ST990

Cleaning

The removal of all visible and non-visible soil and any other foreign material from a medical device.

Decontamination

Removing or reducing contamination by infectious organisms or other harmful substances.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Clothing and equipment worn by workers to protect against health and safety risks.

Mechanical Cleaners

Automated equipment used to clean, decontaminate, or disinfect and dry medical devices.

Ultrasonic Cleaners

Devices that use cavitation process and ultrasonic vibrations to dislodge soil from instruments.

Surfactant

A substance that lowers the surface tension of water and increases the solubility of organic compounds.

Chelating Agents

Chemicals that hold hard water minerals in solution and prevent soaps or detergents from reacting with them.

Enzymes

Biological molecules that facilitate the breakdown of large organic molecules and aid in their removal.

Cavitation

Ultrasonic vibrations create tiny air bubbles that implode, dislodging soil from instrument surfaces.

Automated Cart Washers

Equipment that uses detergent and hot water to clean large carts and containers for medical instruments.

Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome (TASS)

An acute postoperative inflammatory reaction caused by noninfectious substances entering the anterior segment.

3-Sink Setup

A cleaning method that includes wash sink, intermediate rinse sink, and final rinse sink.

Instrument Air

Compressed air used in healthcare, free of oil, water, hydrocarbons, and contaminants.

Housekeeping Concerns

Considerations regarding the cleanliness and organization of the decontamination area.

Water Quality

Factors such as pH, hardness, and temperature that impact cleaning effectiveness.