Sterilization and Cleaning of Medical Equipment

Posted on Feb 11, 2025 in Information Systems

Verification of Proper Function

To verify proper function, test slides are used. A slide, hand-dipped in opaque water and marked with an “X”, is introduced into the ultrasonic tank. The “X” must be cleared to 10SG.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

  • Anti-splash screen
  • Mask, goggles, and cap
  • Long-sleeved gown
  • Apron, appropriate gloves, and clogs

Preparation of Instruments

  • Clean and decontaminate instruments.
  • Inspect the instruments.
  • Lubricate mobile accessories and instruments with paraffin oil.
  • Dry sensitive materials before storing.

Guidelines for Cleaning Equipment

  • Clean any new material before the first sterilization.
  • Clean and disinfect instruments after each use.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Ensure hinged instruments are open or disassembled, and apply paraffin oil.
  • Use the correct cleaning process for each material without overloading the machine.
  • Do not use metal brushes or sponges for manual cleaning.
  • Rinse the material with demineralized water and then dry.
  • Inspect materials for damage before repairing; discard deformed or corroded items.

Disinfection and Antisepsis

Disinfection: The process leading to the elimination of many microorganisms from inanimate objects, including inert soil.

Antisepsis: A series of topical applications of chemicals on living tissues and mucous membranes, such as skin and wounds, to disinfect.

Hygiene and Sanitary Cleaning Materials

The cleaning of medical equipment involves the removal of dirt deposited on inert surfaces, which can act as physical and nutritional support for microorganisms. Cleaning is a crucial step prior to disinfection and sterilization, as it reduces the microbial load.

Actions for Cleaning

  • Cleaning/flushing
  • Classification of material
  • Cleaning/disinfection
  • Verification of cleaning and drying

Objectives of Cleaning

Remove all soil materials such as blood, tissues, oils, fats, and other liquid agents. All dirt should come off and be removed with rinsing.

Improving Water Quality

Possible Corrosive Substances

  • Chlorides: Can cause opacity in instruments.
  • Hard Water (Silicates, Calcium): Common in hard water.

Methods: Process for Improving Water Quality

  • Filtering: The first step to remove dirt.
  • Distillation: Allows for 99.9% purity as water turns to steam.
  • Decalcification: Ion exchange traps calcium and magnesium.
  • Deionization by Ion Exchange: Produces distilled water.
  • Reverse Osmosis/Hyperfiltration: Uses mechanical pressure.

Chemicals for Cleaning

  • Sulfating soap
  • Basic substance zeolites
  • Caustic alkali
  • Sodium bioacids
  • Hypochlorite
  • Corrosion inhibitors and Holm-aluminum silicates and proteases.

Cleaning Tools

  • External and internal brushes
  • Sponge or towel
  • Hand shower
  • Spray gun

Ultrasonic Cleaning

Ultrasonic cleaning allows water to reach all areas of the instrument, producing agitation through sound waves. Cleaning takes place using enzyme detergent and water.

Principles of Ultrasonic Cleaning

Ultrasonic treatment is very useful for stainless steel instruments. It should not be used on materials such as rubber or silicone.

Ultrasonic Cleaning Recommendations

  • The ultrasonic unit should have a lid to prevent hearing damage.
  • Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Submerge all materials completely and open the closures of instruments.
  • Do not overload trays.
  • Renew the ultrasonic bath solution at least twice a day.