Instrument Processing
PPE used when processing instruments
Utility gloves, a mask, eye wear, and protective clothing
A chemical indicator on a sterilization pouch will change to __________ to indicate the sterilization cycle is complete?
Dark brown color
What happens when you fail a spore test through sterilization?
You must take the sterilizer out of rotation and immediately re-run all instruments from the date of the failed sterilization and forward.
True or False? Sacramento City College uses third party biological monitoring with each sterilizer once a day.
False.
A sterile pouch should be folded along the
Perforations
Semi-Critical
Best way to determine if sterilization has occured.
Use biologic monitors such as spore testing in house or 3rd party
the outside of the sterilizers are considered clean and should never be touched with gloves True/false?
True
Every time an implantable device is sterilized what type of monitoring should be done?
Biological monitoring should be done with all implant devices.
Processing instruments in a __________ rather than lose in a bag is the preferred method.
Cassette
Purpose of instrument holding solution
Prevent the drying of blood and debris on instruments
How does the CDC recommend you sterilize critical and semi-critical instruments? (What type of sterilization?)
Heat sterilization.
Ultrasonic cleaning solutions have what property to help break down bioburden?
Enzymatic properties
What is Mechanical Monitoring?
The dirty side of the sterilization should be as __________ from the clean side as possible.
Far
How often should the ultrasonic cleaner be cleaned and disinfected?
At least once per day or when the water gets cloudy.
If a sterilized bag of instruments falls on the floor and is not compromised in any way, are the contents inside the bag still sterile?
YES! Unless moist or compromised with a tear or puncture contents are still sterile.
How long are the instruments inside a sterilization pouch sterile?
Indefinitely, unless torn or the packing becomes wet or moist or otherwise compromised.
What is a chemical indicator?
monitors sterilization parameters such as time pressure and heat and will be evident by changing color.
One common reason one may get a failed spore test.
Over packing
2 reasons instruments need to be bagged before steam sterilization
1) Protect them from becoming contaminated after sterilization
2) Allow them to be grouped into special set ups by procedure
Name the three parameters that instruments of the Midmark Steam sterilizer must meet to sterilize instruments.
Time, pressure, temperature
What is it called when the autoclave releases pressure from the chamber?
Depressurizing
What spore is monitored with biological monitoring for an autoclave?
Geobacillus stearothermophilus.
Autoclave Tempurature must be a min heat of ________ degrees for _______ minutes at 15 lbs of pressure.
250, 20