STERILE PROCESSING
it is still an important and critical first step in the cycle of instrument reprocessing. By pre-treating instruments in surgical theaters with enzymatic pre-treatment solutions, you will greatly reduce the occurrence of bio-contaminants adhering to instrument surfaces. nd, as simple as applying a P pre-treatment solution sounds and is to do unless this takes place the infection control chain can be broken causing the very outcomes these protocols were established to avoid. elinda Benedict, Director, nfection Prevention and Control, lympus Corporation of the mericas asserts the s important role in this neces- sary process. “anufacturers and professional orga-
nizations across the healthcare spectrum agree pre-cleaning endoscopes post-pro- cedure is an essential step in safe patient care, Benedict indicated. lso agreed is the timing of this step The sooner, the better. edical device instructions for use generally recommend pre-cleaning be performed at the end of the procedure, immediately after use, while still in the procedure room. Delays in reprocessing may require additional steps in making the device patient ready and safe. n that regard, staff are in the best position to carry out this critical step in reprocessing as they are most aware of the procedural stop time. Workflow should and will adapt, Benedict insists. Wiping and flushing with water or detergent can easily become part of the workflow as a documented standard of care at the bedside, she noted. The pur- pose of the wipe or flush is to remove heavy debris from the instrument to avoid drying of residual bioburden. Highlighting the rationale for this activity can increase user knowledge as to why the step is important and facilitate understanding of why pre- cleaning should be carried out by the staff who have immediate access to a device following a procedure at the point of use. There should be no question when and
where pre-treatment should happen if you analyze procedural patterns and workflow models, according to regg goston, ice President, Business Development, PD Transformation ervices, pecialtyCare. Pre-treatment or pre-cleaning must be
done in the , he said. This first step of the cleaning process helps to remove gross soil and keep the instrument moist. Due to the variable workloads in the decon- tamination department, instruments often have extended wait times one-two hours before the manual cleaning process begins. For flexible endoscopes, per certain Fs,
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hpnonline.com • HEALTHCARE PURCHASING NEWS • November 2022 31
it is required that before the endoscope is detached from the video processor, that enzymatic solution or water is suctioned through the working channel. t is not feasible for the Decontamination staff to perform this process. From my experience, there is signifi-
cant variability in staff performing pre-cleaning, goston continued. The key aspects are to first remove gross debris then apply enzymatic solution or take steps to prevent debris from drying on
the instrument, e.g., covering with a moist lint free towel. ohn Whelan, Clinical Education
pecialist, Healthmark ndustries, expresses concern about questioning this logical development. egardless of the product used, the sooner the better for removing microbial load and limiting biofilm formation, he said. inutes matter Point-of-use treat- ment needs to occur P after the pro- cedure is complete. lack of complete
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