1 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • A P R I L 2 0 1 9
Does Your Enzymatic Detergent Require a Temperature Test?
INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE
A
nother reason to always read and follow IFUs: Some enzy-
matic detergents require that you test the water tempera-
ture before you clean instruments and devices in prepara-
tion for high-level disinfection or sterilization. Your reprocessing
techs will skip this step if they don't read the instructions for use
(IFUs) — easy to do when the IFUs are attached to the lid of the
detergent bottle and your techs tear the brochure off and discard it
without reading. Several detergents print the IFUs directly on the
plastic bottle (if the IFU notes a temperature range, it's best to use
a liquid thermometer). Be sure your techs document the tempera-
ture with each premix. If there's no mention of optimum tempera-
ture, omit this step. Some IFUs will note that the detergent "works
in all temperatures."
Phenelle Segal, RN, CIC, FAPIC
Infection Control Consulting Services
Delray Beach, Fla.
info@iccs-home.com
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