Dosing technology
Dosing and decontamination in the 21st Century
Accurate dosing in cleaning and disinfection processes is essential for achieving the highest levels of cleaning efficiency and overall performance. As healthcare facilities continue to face challenges, such as rising operational costs and the need for sustainability, investing in future-proof dosing solutions and staff training will be paramount, says Alan Abbatt.
The decontamination of surgical instruments, medical devices, endoscopes, and dental tools is an essential process in ensuring patient safety, preventing healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs), and maintaining the integrity and longevity of medical equipment. Modern dosing equipment plays a pivotal role in today’s sterile service departments, and advancements in this technology, such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and automated monitoring systems have further enhanced the accuracy, efficiency and safety of dosing systems. Two primary methods are used for dosing in healthcare settings. Centralised dosing systems are used primarily in larger NHS hospital Trusts and by outsourced dedicated decontamination and sterilisation providers. Smaller, more localised dosing systems, where canisters are located within or near the washer disinfectors, are still used in the majority of healthcare settings. Each approach has its advantages and challenges and their suitability depends on the unique nature of the environment where the system will be used, the volume of instruments routinely being processed, and infrastructural capabilities and limitations. With an increasing focus on sustainability and cost-effectiveness in healthcare, new innovations in dosing aim to reduce waste, optimise energy consumption, and improve real-time monitoring. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies promises to further support data- driven decision-making, ensuring that dosing is more precise and adaptable to varying needs. Dosing systems also play a crucial role in occupational health by reducing healthcare workers’ exposure to hazardous chemicals and preventing lifting and strain injuries caused by carrying heavy containers. In the UK, lifting and handling injuries are a significant concern. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), there were approximately 122,000 work-
related injuries attributed to lifting, handling, or carrying in 2022/23. These injuries often can have long-term impacts on workers’ health and productivity.
By implementing controlled dosing
procedures, NHS Trusts can further align with Net Zero targets and legislation, as these systems optimise chemical use and reduce waste, leading to lower carbon emissions associated with transport within the supply chain. Moreover, the data recorded from dosing
systems provides sterile service managers with valuable insights to enhance regulatory compliance and improve operational efficiency. Real-time tracking of chemical usage ensures that decontamination processes meet strict hygiene standards while supporting more informed decision-making for audit and compliance procedures. This article explores the advantages and
challenges of central dosing systems and integration of dosing equipment for smaller healthcare departments. It also considers the latest innovations in dosing technology, the role
of advanced hybrid chemical formulations in dosing, emerging technologies that are shaping the future of dosing in medical decontamination and key considerations for department managers to enhance efficiency and prevent the need for rewashing.
Understanding dosing in decontamination Dosing technology refers to the controlled, precise delivery of process chemistry into washer disinfectors, immersion or ultrasonic baths during the reprocessing of medical instruments. Accurate dosing ensures the efficacy of decontamination processes, maintaining the balance between sufficient microbial eradication and the preservation of instrument integrity. The effectiveness of decontamination is highly dependent on the correct balance of chemistry, water, temperature, mechanics and time (as per Dr. Herbert Sinner’s recognised ‘Sinners Wheel’). Under-dosing can leave residual contamination, leading to potential infection risks, while over-dosing may result in chemical residues,
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