A lead apron is not necessary when manually decontaminating flexible fiber-optic endoscopes. A lead apron is typically used in situations where there is a risk of radiation exposure, such as during X-ray procedures. However, when manually decontaminating endoscopes, the main concern is protecting against exposure to chemicals and infectious materials. Therefore, items such as a mask with side shields, an impervious gown, and wrist-length gloves are more appropriate.
The technician should ask the the maintenance person to remove the barrier attire when leaving the area because it is important to follow proper decontamination protocols. Even if the maintenance person did not come in contact with any contaminated material, removing the barrier attire helps to prevent any potential spread of contaminants to other areas. By addressing the issue immediately, the technician ensures that proper decontamination procedures are followed and maintains a safe working environment.
The best procedure is to return for the used tray after completing all deliveries, using the appropriate collection cart. This ensures that the tray is no mixed with the remaining sterile supplies and is properly segregated for decontamination. Hand-carrying the used tray or returning it with the remaining sterile supplies can lead to cross-contamination and compromise the sterility of the supplies. Using the sterile delivery cart is also not recommended as it may contaminate the cart and other supplies on it. Returning the tray separately using the appropriate collection cart is the safest and most effective procedure.
If it is not possible to wash contaminated instruments immediately after use, they should be kept moist by spaying them with an enzymatic foam, covering them with a towel moistened with water and placing them in a plastic bag. This method helps to prevent the drying of contaminants on the instruments, ensuring that they can be properly cleaned later on.
2% activated glutaraldehyde is generally considered the most appropriate solution for high-level disinfection of instrument. Glutaraldehyde is a powerful disinfectant that can effectively kill a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi. The activation of glutaraldehyde enhances its disinfection properties and makes it more effective in killing resistant microorganisms. This solution is commonly used in healthcare settings for the disinfection of medical instruments that cannot be sterilized. It provides a high level of disinfection, ensuring that the instruments are safe for reuse.
Enzymatic detergents are commonly used in the healthcare industry to remove organic material, such as blood, from instruments. These detergents contain enzymes that breakdown and dissolve the organic material, making it easier to remove. Soaking the instrument in an enzymatic detergent helps to effectively remove blood contamination from channels of the instrument.
The cost of the chemical is not a factor that directly influences the disinfection process's effectiveness but rather its feasibility and practicality, it does not directly affect the chemical's effectiveness in killing or inactivating microorganisms. It primarily impacts the economic feasibility and practicality of using a particular disinfectant in a given application.
The safest pH level for cleaning surgical instruments is neutral. This is because a neutral pH level is less likely to cause damage or corrosion to the instruments. Highly alkaline or acidic solutions can be too harsh and potentially cause harm to the instruments, while a moderately alkaline solution may still have some corrosive effects. Therefore, a neutral pH solution is the best choice for ensuring the safety and longevity of surgical instruments.
Healthcare workers are most likely to be infected by Hepatitis B because it is bloodborne virus that can be transmitted through exposure to infected blood or body fluids. Healthcare workers often come into contact with blood and other bodily fluids during their work, which puts them at a higher risk of contracting Hepatitis B compared to other agents listed.
After manually cleaning contaminated surgical instruments with a disinfectant solution, the next step in the decontamination process is rinsing. Rinsing is necessary to remove any reside or remaining disinfectant solution from the instruments. This helps to ensure that the instruments are thoroughly cleaned and ready for the next step in the process, such as lubricating, storing or sterilizing.
The manual cleaning process of surgical instrumental involves scrubbing the instrument in a detergent solution. This method ensures that any debris, blood or other contaminants are effectively removed from the instrument's surface. Scrubbing helps to physically dislodge and remove any organic material, ensuring that the instrument is thoroughly cleaned before further processing or sterilization.
