Point of Use
Describe Point of Use
The removal of gross soil from a device that occurs at the point of use, either periodically during the procedure or immediately after use.
Transport of contaminated instruments to the decontamination area needs to occur when
As soon as possible after completion of the procedure
The 3 components of the fire triangle are
Ignition source
Fuel
Oxidizer
Sterile supplies must stored above the level of the floor. How far off the floor?
8-10 inches off of the floor
Define Biofilm
An accumulated biomass of bacteria and extra-cellular material that is tightly adhered to a surface, making it difficult to remove
Moistening and removing gross soil from instrumentation at the point of use will help prevent drying of the organic material also known as
Bioburden
When tearing down the back table, contaminated (used) instruments and non-used instruments are separated how?
Contaminated instruments are soaked in enzymatic fluid in the red bins while non-used instruments can be sent down in the tray.
The Spaulding Scale defines classification of sterilization. What is an example of a Semi-critical Classification?
Touches mucous membranes (flexible endoscopes, bronchoscopes, laryngoscopes)
Does sterility have a shelf life?
Sterility is event-related & is dependent on the amount of handling, conditions during transport & storage, the quality of packaging material, and adherence to the packaging manufacturer's IFU's.
Define Sterile
All instrumentation used with a lumen must have what completed prior to transport to SPD
Flushing of the lumen
Protection of delicate instruments (fiberoptic cords, endoscopes, microsurgical instruments) during transport is achieved by
Segregating them into different containers or by placing them on top of heavier instruments
Name the 3 components to radiation safety
Time
Shielding
Distance
How far below ceiling sprinklers can you store sterile supplies?
18 inches
Define Asepsis
The absence of infectious organisms
It is not recommended to use saline for cleaning instrument surfaces because it can cause these 3 things
Corrosion
Rusting
Pitting
Transportation for all used flexible endoscopes requires
point of use cleaning complete
scanning into SPM point of use
placed in a dry red bin with a moist towelette coving the scope
The Spaulding Scale defines classification of sterilization. What is an example of a Critical Classification?
Critical Classification-enters sterile tissue or vascular system (needles, surgical instruments, implants)
How far away from the wall must sterile items be stored
2 inches off the wall
Define Surgical Conscience
Moral obligation to safeguard surgical asepsis and patient safety
Describe the process of point of use for all flexible scopes used within the OR
Cleaning with the Scope Valet Kits, flushing the lumens
Contaminated instruments must be transported to decontam in a container that meets these 4 requirements
leak proof
puncture resistant
large enough to contain all contents
red/orange for biohazard
3 principle elements for an infection to occur
1.Source(bacteria, viruses)/Reservoir(people, objects, water)
2. Susceptible host
3. Method of transmission(direct/indirect)
Example:
Source(bioburden on instrument)
Susceptible host (surgical patient)
Method of transmission (direct-use of contaminated instrument on patient)
In a controlled environment in which sterile items are stored, there should be limited exposure to these 6 factors
moisture
dust
direct sunlight
handling
temperature
humidity
Define Decontamination
The use of physical or chemical means to remove, inactivate or destroy bloodborne pathogens on a surface or item to render them no longer capable of transmitting infectious particles and render the surface or item safe for handling, use or disposal