Point-of-Use Treatment and Transportation of Surgical Instruments Flashcards

What is the primary purpose of point-of-use treatment of surgical instruments?

Answer: To prevent soil from drying on instruments before formal decontamination

Point-of-use treatment prevents blood, tissue, and other organic material from drying onto instruments, which would make cleaning far more difficult.

Which of the following is an acceptable point-of-use treatment method for soiled surgical instruments?

Answer: Keeping instruments moist with saline or a foam enzymatic pre-cleaner

Maintaining instrument moisture with saline or enzymatic foam at the point of use prevents soil from drying and begins the breakdown of organic material.

How should soiled instruments be transported from the OR to the decontamination area?

Answer: In a closed, leak-proof, puncture-resistant container or cart

OSHA and infection control standards require soiled instruments to be transported in closed, leak-proof, puncture-resistant containers to protect staff and the environment from contamination.

Which labeling is required on containers used to transport soiled instruments?

Answer: Biohazard symbol and/or the word 'biohazard' must be present

OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030) requires that containers holding potentially infectious materials be labeled with the biohazard symbol.

Why should sharp instruments be separated from other instruments during transport?

Answer: To prevent needlestick injuries and punctures through container walls

Separating sharps reduces the risk of puncture injuries to SPD technicians and others who handle transport containers.

What should be done with lumened instruments (e.g., trocars, suction tips) at the point of use?

Answer: Flushed with water or saline to remove gross soil from the lumen

Flushing lumens at the point of use removes gross soil and prevents it from drying inside channels, which would impede cleaning in the decontamination area.