Decon: L5 - Periodic Testing

Question 1

what are some of the daily/weekly tests for a washer disinfector unit?

Answer 1

• checking spray arms rotate & spray jets not blocked
• checking door seal for damage/contamination
• checking no instruments from prev cycles
• make sure sufficient amount of chemical
• Protein detection test, soil test (cleaning efficacy testing)
• Noting disinfection temperatures & times
• Full ACT

Question 2

what are some of the daily/weekly tests for a steriliser?

Answer 2

• check door seal for damage, contamination
• verify condition load carrier & chamber
• fill/drain water reservoirs DAILY
• air leakage test
• bowie-dick test cycle (checks vacuum efficiency)
• air detector function test
• record daily sterilisation temp, pressure & time
• carry out FULL ACT

Question 3

why is daily/periodic testing important?

Answer 3

to verify functionality of the equipment on a day-to-day basis

Question 4

what things do you need to verify on washer disinfectors/sterilisers?

Answer 4

• temperature is reading correctly (calibrated properly)
• pressure reading is correct
• chemicals are being dosed in required volume
• stage timer is accurate and correct
• machine is heating correctly
• all necessary valves/components are operational

Question 5

what is a competent person defined by SHTM?

Answer 5

defined as a person designated to carry out maintenance, validation and periodic testing of washer-disinfectors, sterilisers…

Question 6

List of tests carried out on Type-B steriliser on quarterly basis?

Answer 6