using a germicidal, is this an AAMI standard

[irishkatw]

we manually clean our instruments at our hospital. our first step is using an enzymatic cleaner, manually and in our sonic machine. afterwards, we use a germicidal to soak our instruments. is using a germicidal an AAMI standard, and do any other hospital do this process of using a germicidal? the product we were using changed their product, i was wondering what others were using to decontaminate their instruments. :confused:

[ivearnedit]

I know of no AAMI Standard about using germicidal cleaner after manually washing the instruments. After removing gross contamination manually, the next step is to remove fine particles in the ultrasonic cleaner. This is to be followed by washer decontaminator or Tunnell washer. No instruments should be be released until after all these steps are completed. As always though you should read the manufacturers recommendations.

[Kathy]

We soak in a disinfectant after using enzymatic, and we wash ours by hand.
I don't know if it is an AAMI standard either (since we can't afford to purchase them...) but it makes good sense to do so since the staff will be handling the instruments to wrap and pack them.
The last responder to your question does not manually wash the instruments, as she stated they use a washer decontaminator...you are saying that you do not have a washer-decontaminator, right?

[irishkatw]

thank you to those who responded to my question. i do appreciate it very much. that is how this forum is going to work is by responding to the questions that are asked.

[irishkatw]

what kind of disinfectant are you using after the enzymatic? we wash everying thing by hand. we do not have a washer/disinfector. (it sure would be nice though).

[nancy gusler]

We now have a disinfectant washer. but at one time we were washing by hand as well. At that time we did use a germicide for soaking and then placed in a sonic washer. It has only been since resently in my reading and education that a germicide can be very harsh on your instruments and if the instruments are rinsed with water, soaked in a enzyme detergent and then placed in your sonic washer they are safe for handling.
Nancy

[lgranger1]

We also wash by hand first at our facility. We have an ultra sonic washer that we put the instruments in after washing them by hand. We have been discussing at our facility about disinfecting before the instruements are handled. They have to be washed before you can disinfect. Our process we are using now is first they are sprayed with an enzymatic solution and a lid placed on the container and transported on a cart to decontam. We then use tongs to place them in the water where we hand wash them and then put them in the ultra sonic waWe use the Tec-Surf 2 by Getinge. I was wondering if anyone else has a better process. We were wanting something with a less than 10 min. soak time also.

[jrc]

AAMI ST79 Section 7.6.1 addresses the need to disinfect instruments that pose a risk of transmission of infection to workers. Basically, if the instruments came in contact with blood or other body fluids, they need to be cleaned first, then disinfected, then rinsed thoroughly with purified water before they can be safely handled in assembly. This means you need to use a chemical disinfectant or a thermal disinfection rinse (greater than 180 degrees Fahrenheit) before you can handle the instruments without gloves on.

[Uprooted Scrub]

What an interesting thread...as usual, everyone here has great input!

I have a relevent question - looking at all the 'nooks and crannies' on a typical Kelly clamp where both bioburden and particles from solutions can hide; after hand washing and rinsing then soaking in a disinfectant solution with a rinse, how can we be assured we have removed all the disinfectant?

Your thoughts are appreciated. Have a great day.

Blaine

[cpdguy]

A general answer to your question is look in AAMI 7.5.3 on general cleaning. Remember cleaning and disinfection are two different steps. Cleaning if properly done should make the items safe for handling. Now you need to look at your manufacture guidelines for the instruments you are manually cleaning. If they state you ned to disinfect, then do it, if not, look at your hospital policy and follow that.

Hope this helps.