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Instrument Decontamination
Methods that Prolong Instrument Life
Mechanical Cleaning
Many CS departments routinely use
washer/decontaminators and have reduced or eliminated manual cleaning. Usually, any
manual cleaning is followed by ultrasonic, then automatic washing. This process
produces excellent results, but can also increase instrument trauma dramatically, so it is
important to take care during the machine cleaning process.
Ultrasonic
These engineering marvels create microscopic
bubbles that efficiently clean even the most intricate surface through cavitation.
The detergent role is minor, so use neutral pH cleaners. High pH solutions
could advance corrosion and shorten instrument life. Ultrasonics are not designed to
remove large amounts of organic material, so some pre-cleaning is necessary. Heavy
organic materials can reduce cavitation process efficiency, causing incomplete cleaning.
Fully open instruments, and do not mix different metals in the same basket; mixing
them can cause corrosion.
| Automatic Washer: Washer/Sterilizer, Washer/Decontaminator Like home dishwashers, automatic instrument
washers use water, pressure, and detergent for cleaning. The most popular washers
are the single-chamber, pass-through, and tunnel (multiple-chamber) units. Many
facilities with high volume requirements are opting for multiple single-chamber units to
maintain operations if a machine should break down.
Today's washers offer user-controlled
programs with a wide range of cycle and product use options. Typically, a washer
uses an alkaline or enzyme cleaner in its first wash, followed by a rinse, then a neutral
detergent second wash. The first wash removes the bulk of residues. The second
wash provides additional cleaning, if needed, and rinses any remaining alkalinity from the
first wash. The third product often used is a water-soluble instrument lubricant
applied during the final rinse cycle. |
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Rust
particles may be transferred to other instruments during cleaning, causing surface
corrosion. |
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