CS QUESTIONS • CS ANSWERS
Cleaning and care of sterilizers; writing
on packaging; germicidal detergents
by Ray Taurasi
Q
What is the recommended cleaning
Questions can be e-mailed to:
used to wash instruments contained a disin-
and care procedure for sterilizers?
jakridge@hpnonline.com,
fectant/germicidal agent whose properties
How frequently should the inner chamber called in to Jeannie Akridge at HPN: were bactericidal, virucidal and fungicidal ca-
and walls be cleaned? My staff tells me that pable of destroying HBV and HIV. These new
my predecessor used a vinegar mixture for concentrated enzymatic cleaning solutions are
cleaning the sterilizer walls; do you think this
CS SOLUTIONS
(941) 927-9345 ext.202
or mailed to:
HPN CS Questions supposedly more economical and better
is a good idea?
2477 Stickney Point Road, Suite 315B
cleaners, but they have no germicidal prop-
A
The sterilizer manufacturer’s instruc-
Sarasota, FL 34231
erties. I have received the manufacturer’s
tion manual should be consulted for 510(k) and instructions for use, but do I need
the exact procedures to be used on their ster- There are many cleaning products, agents more documentation verifying the process of
ilizer equipment. Sterilizers’ makes and and accessories on the market specifically effective decontamination with the use of
models differ and therefore processes may designed for the proper care, cleaning and these solutions, and if so, what? And, should
vary somewhat as well. In general, the fol- maintenance of sterilizers. It is not recom- I be concerned about my staff’s safety in han-
lowing is common protocol: mended or advisable to create your own dling instruments that have not been cleaned
• Sterilizer chamber should be cool prior to cleaning mixtures without the expressed in- with a germicidal detergent?
performing any maintenance or cleaning structions of the sterilizer manufacturer.
process A
The disinfection process may be
achieved by either a chemical or ther-
• The chamber screen strainer should be re- Q
Why isn’t it acceptable to write on
wrapped packages or peel pouches? mal process. The very first and most impor-
moved at least daily and cleaned thor- We did this all of the time at the clinic I used tant step in the decontamination/disinfection
oughly. All lint or other debris deposits to work for and never seemed to have any process is thorough cleaning. The process of
must be removed from the screen. problems. cleaning is generally focused on the removal
• The use of a soft brush and mild detergent of soils and contaminants vs. the destruction
will help facilitate the cleaning process and A
Writing on packaging with a pen, pen-
cil or other sharp or hard writing imple- of organisms. Some, but not all, detergents
the strainer may be flushed by holding ment could compromise the integrity of the do contain some germicidal properties, but
under running water. packaging material, thus allowing for micro- for the germicides to be totally effective the
• The screen strainer may need to be bial infiltration and contamination of the con- devices must first be free of soil to allow inti-
cleaned more than once a day depend- tents. Writing on packaging with soft felt- mate contact with the chemical agent for a
ing on volume and load contents. For ex- tip pens such as magic markers and the like predetermined exposure time. The chemical
ample, if you are processing lots of linen poses a potential risk of ink leaching which spectrum and the length of exposure will de-
or textile loads a significant amount of lint could in turn be deposited on the contents termine the level of disinfection achieved.
may clog the drain and affect the resulting in toxic reactions. There are perma- Generally the detergents utilized in the clean-
sterilizer’s proper functioning. nent felt-tip marking pens readily available ing of medical devices in automated washers
• The chamber walls should be cleaned at on the market, which come in multi colors, are specifically designed to help break down
least weekly utilizing a mild detergent and and have been cleared for labeling sterile and dislodge organic soils. Enzymatic deter-
a long handled sterilizer cleaning brush or packages. These pens are of a medical grade gents, presoaks, and foam sprays are very ef-
mop. quality, they are sterilizable, and use non- fective in breaking down soil which facilitates
• Abrasives or steel wool pads should never leaching, non-toxic permanent inks. Users removal of the soil in the washing process.
be used when cleaning an inner chamber, should not use standard markers that do not Your new washer/disinfector most likely con-
as they may damage the corrosive-resis- have documentation relative to toxicity and sists of a wash cycle geared at the removal of
tant surface that protects the chamber walls the ability to be sterilized safely. When writ- soil and the recommended enzymatic prod-
from corrosion caused by steam boiler ing on a peel pouch you must never write uct will break the soil down for easier removal.
water treatment chemicals. on the paper side which envelopes the ster- The wash cycle will be followed by a thermal
• Chamber drain lines may be flushed ile contents. disinfection rinse cycle which will destroy or-
weekly with a mixture of tri sodium phos- Preprinted and custom design adhesive la- ganisms by heat. When using a washer
phate or hot water and a mild detergent bels are available, which are acceptable for disinfector, a germicidal detergent is not nec-
solution. Household drain cleaning agents use as labeling on sterile packages. You of essary. The effective decontamination process
should never be used. course will want to obtain the appropriate renders devices safe for further handling in
• The door gasket should be carefully in- documentation from the manufacturer for the reprocessing cycle. It is suggested that you
spected daily for any cracks or defects and such use. follow AAMI guidelines which now recom-
wiped clean with a lint-free cloth.
• Loading racks, carriages and baskets Q
We have recently purchased a new mend weekly (preferably daily) testing and
washer/disinfector, and we have also verification of your cleaning process. HPN
should be cleaned at least daily with a mild converted to the super concentrated clean-
cleaning agent and wiped dry with a soft ing agents recommended by the washer Ray Taurasi is Eastern Regional Director of Clini-
lint-free towel. manufacturer. The detergent we previously cal Sales and Services for Healthmark Industries.
36 November 2009 • HEALTHCARE PURCHASING NEWS
www.hpnonline.com
0911-CSSolutions.pmd 36 10/12/2009, 4:37 PM
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