Intro to Cleaning & Sterilisation

Question 1

What is a critical device and what level of reprocessing is required?

Answer 1

• a device that penetrates soft tissue, makes contact with bone and enters or contacts the bloodstream or normally sterile tissue
• device must be cleaned and then sterilised

Question 2

What is a semi-critical device and what level of reprocessing is required?

Answer 2

• a device which comes into contact with non-intact skin or mucous membrane but does not penetrate soft tissue or make contact with the bloodstream, bone or normally sterile tissue
• cleaned and high level of disinfection (steam sterilisation preferable)

Question 3

What is a non-critical device and what level of re-processing is required?

Answer 3

• a device that only comes into contact with the skin and intact mucous membrane
• cleaning followed by low level disinfection

Question 4

What is the purpose of cleaning?

Answer 4

removes all of the biological matter from the surface of instruments following use

Question 5

What are the different processes which may be involved in cleaning?

Answer 5

• washer-disinfector
  
  • recommended method
  • automated process
• ultrasonic bath
  
  • backup method
  • automated process
• manual cleaning
  
  • only if only option available

Question 6

What are the two different types of steriliser?

Answer 6

• type B sterilisers
  
  • vacuum
• type N sterilisers
  
  • non-vacuum

Question 7

Describe the decontamination flow line

Answer 7

• wall mounted PPE dispenser
• wash hand basin
• clinical waste bin
• dirty set down area
• water treatment area
• washer disinfector
• magnifying inspection lamp
• dental handpiece cleaner lubricator
• heat seal packaging dispenser
• heat sealer
• sterilisers
• cooling and dispatch area
• administration area