4 4 S U P P L E M E N T T O O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E M A Y 2 0 1 6
Y
ou know the drill: If an instrument isn't properly cleaned, it can't
be properly sterilized. But the problem with the decontamination
process is that each instrument might require a different set of
cleaning instructions, and even the cleaning agents themselves
can have considerable variations. When you add in the need to
scrub tiny nooks and crannies on complex tools, it can make the task seem
downright impossible. Focusing on the following factors can help standardize
the process, make cleaning easier for your reprocessing techs and help reduce
the risk of human error.
1. Point-of-use cleaning
Decontamination should always start at the point of use. At our hospital, after
5 Tips for Better
Instrument Decontamination
• WASHING MACHINE Investing in automation helps standardize the decontamination process.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN
Removing variables and automating the process are the keys
to better cleaning.
Peter Daigle | Farmington, Conn.
