Point of Use
These substances can break down devices’ protective finish and accelerate decomposition
Blood and Saline
The usage of open transport carts must have a what to prevent drips and spills
Solid bottom shelf
Cleaning agents used to break down and remove soil are known as this type of solution.
Enzymatic cleaners
Instead of letting instruments sit dry after use, applying this type of spray or gel helps prevent soil from hardening.
An instrument pre-treatment spray or gel
A technician picks up soiled instruments without wearing gloves, assuming “they’re not that dirty.” According to standard protocol, what critical mistake did the technician make?
Failure to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)
This is the first step that should happen to surgical instruments immediately after use at the point of care.
Removing gross soil and keeping instruments moist
After use, soiled instruments must be transported to the decontamination area using containers that are marked with this.
Biohazard symbol
Instruments heavily soiled with fat or bone fragments may require this type of cleaning device before manual scrubbing.
Ultrasonic cleaner
Instruments should be wiped clean and kept moist using this simple supply often found in procedure areas.
Damp towel or cloth
After surgery, the staff sprays instruments with a pre-treatment foam but forgets to transport them to Decon for several hours. Why is this still a problem?
Delayed processing increases the risk of biofilm development even if pre-treatment was used
At the point of use, this important action prevents blood and debris from drying on instruments, making decontamination easier.
Pre-cleaning or wiping with a moistened cloth
During transport, used instruments must always be contained in a way that prevents this type of exposure.
Exposure to bloodborne pathogens
These are two key differences between gross soil and bio burden
Visual/Non-Visual and Cleaning Techniques
This smarter transportation method prevents soil from drying and allows faster processing when the decontamination team receives the instruments.
Transporting instruments promptly after surgery
A technician receives a cart of used instruments that were properly contained during transport. However, they immediately rinse them with hot water to “loosen the soil faster.” What mistake did the technician make?
Using hot water
Instruments that are delicate, such as those with lumens, should be flushed with this at the point of use.
Sterile water or an approved cleaning solution
When transporting soiled instruments, personnel must wear this to protect themselves from contamination.
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
If soil remains on an instrument through sterilization, it can cause this to happen to the sterilization process.
Sterilization failure or process compromise
This practice should be avoided because it can cause instruments to become more difficult to clean by fixing soils onto the surface.
Allowing instruments to air-dry without pre-treatment
During a busy shift, a set of soiled instruments was left uncovered on a cart in the hallway for transport. Based on best practices, name two major protocol breaches that occurred.
Failure to properly contain biohazard materials and risk of environmental contamination/exposure
Leaving contaminated instruments to dry without moistening at the point of use can lead to this type of hard-to-remove material.
Biofilm
If a facility uses a pneumatic tube system for instrument transport, it must never be used for this type of item.
Contaminated or soiled instruments
The type of soil most difficult to remove from surgical instruments because it hardens when exposed to heat is this.
Protein-based soil (like blood or tissue residue)
Instead of rinsing soiled instruments with hot water, which can cook proteins onto them, this temperature water should be used to loosen and remove debris.
Cool or lukewarm water
A decontamination tech receives a tray with bone fragments stuck on orthopedic instruments. Instead of soaking or using an enzymatic cleaner, they run it straight through mechanical washers. What could happen to both the instruments and the sterilization process?
Residual soil left on instruments and possible sterilization failure