The use of infected surgical ENT Instruments can result in serious health issues for patients. As a result, before beginning a procedure, medical practitioners must be aware of the health of the instruments. Cleaning surgical tools are, in fact, just as important as having the right equipment for the process. Furthermore, washing and sanitizing medical equipment reduces the likelihood of disease transmission from patient to patient.
Surgical ENT Instruments processing technicians, as well as surgeons, should understand how to properly clean surgical instruments. Aside from that, they should be masters at determining whether or not an instrument has been disinfected.
The Significance of Surgical ENT Instruments Cleaning
Medical practitioners’ assisting hands are surgical ENT Instruments. The significance of surgical tool cleaning is defined by the significance of medical equipment. In this complete guide to surgical equipment cleaning, we will learn about various cleaning methods in depth. Furthermore, we will distinguish between washing, disinfecting, and sterilizing medical tools. Now, let’s go over some fundamental cleaning instrument basics.
Cleaning Medical Instruments Correctly:
- Reduces the likelihood of disease transmissions, such as HIV and hepatitis B and C.
- Ensures that the tools work properly during the procedure.
- Reduces the likelihood of surgical hand infections.
- Allows for a clear view of the instruments when used at various angles.
- Extends the life of medical equipment.
- Makes the instruments corrosion and rust-resistant.
- Prevents debris accumulation on the tools, which might be difficult to remove afterward.
- Maintains the appropriate movement of medical instrument hinges and lock boxes.
Cleaning Surgical ENT Instruments:
Cleaning surgical tools can be done in a variety of ways. Each of them has its own protocol. Furthermore, all cleaning procedures have limitations and restrictions. Cleaning agents and chemicals, on the other hand, can be used for different procedures. Yet, the lab personnel must use the best way for cleaning the medical equipment. The cleaning process is determined by the structure and substance of the surgical equipment. The most effective option is to use standard techniques and methods for cleaning and sanitizing medical equipment.
Aside from that, instrument processing assistants should read the manufacturer’s operating instructions. It would teach them how to clean surgical instruments properly and without difficulties.
Cleaning Agents Approved for Surgical Instruments:
Approved cleaning solutions suitable for cleaning surgical equipment include the following.
- Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
- Abrasive polish
- Clean (distilled) water with a pH of 7
- Mild detergents
- White Vinegar
- Baking Soda/Sodium Bicarbonate
- Non-chloride cleaners
- Alkaline chlorinated cleaners
- Hospital-grade (bleach-free) disinfectants
Cleaning Chemicals That Are Not Recommended:
The following cleaning products should be avoided since they can harm the instruments.
- HCL/Muriatic Acid
- Ammonia
- Hard Water / PH greater than 7
- Bleach
- Cl-containing compounds
- Quaternary Salts
- Abrasive cleansers
Techniques for Cleaning Surgical ENT Instruments:
Cleaning surgical equipment can be accomplished in three ways. These are some examples:
- Cleaning by hand
- Cleaning of washer-disinfectors
- Cleansing with ultrasonic waves
Common surgical tool cleaning includes sink bay systems, ultrasonic cleaners, and washer disinfectors. Let’s take a look at each type of cleaning approach.
Cleaning by Hand:
When surgical instruments have complex features and machine cleaning is not possible, cleaning them by hand is ideal. Furthermore, instruments with dirt and accumulated debris are cleaned manually.
A three-bay sink is an excellent alternative for this form of surgical tool cleaning.
- After completely cleaning the instruments in cold water, place them in the first bay sink.
- To submerge the instruments according to the IFU, clean the sink beneath the waterline to avoid germ exposure and aerosol formation, especially when using brushes to clean the lumens. Use low-foaming cleaning detergents if possible.
- Use sterile water to rinse in the third sink bay.
What is The Distinction Between Cleaning, Disinfecting, and Sterilizing?
Cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing surgical tools are all part of the whole decontamination process. Let’s go over the distinctions between washing, disinfecting, and sterilizing surgical ENT Instruments.
Cleaning:
Cleaning is done after using the devices. To put it another way, it is the initial stage of decontaminating the instruments. The visible material, trash, and grime on the equipment are removed during cleaning. For cleaning, lab technicians utilize sterile water and neutral pH detergents. Disinfecting comes after cleaning.
Disinfecting:
The second stage of decontamination is disinfection. It aids in the reduction of germs and bacteria on surgical tools. Instrument processing technicians submerge the equipment in an EPA-approved solution for 10 to 15 minutes during this stage. The tools are then washed to eliminate any remaining disinfecting solution. Sterilization follows disinfection.
Sterilizing
It is the third and last stage of surgical instrument decontamination. The most common and recommended method for sterilizing medical equipment is autoclave or steam sterilization. Sterilization destroys all germs and prepares the tools for reuse.
To Conclude:
As previously said, cleaning surgical instruments is just as crucial as having basic medical equipment. As a result, lab attendants and surgical instrument reprocessing technicians must take great care to sanitize the medical equipment. Also, before reusing an instrument, it should be cross-checked. Several health issues caused by medical equipment can be avoided in this manner.
In addition, medical facilities should prioritize high-quality surgical instruments. These instruments last longer and do not rust or corrode easily. GerMedUSA offers surgical-grade German stainless steel tools that require no maintenance and will endure for many years. Call us right now if you want to add high-end medical tools to your surgery kit.