Flash Sterilization Index Number: OR-0120 Type - Gundersen ...

Flash Sterilization
http://glapps.gundluth.org/apps/policyproc.nsf/bc0155f9ef62e4fd872567dd005e9b5a/00ec7...
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1/5/2009
Cleaning and disinfecting will be performed within the confines of the dirty workroom and ante room
area (room between OR 1 and OR 2). This area is physically isolated from the other divisions of the
OSC department and shall maintain a minimum of 10 air exchanges with 2 outside air exchanges per
hour with all return air directed to the outside.
Ultrasonic washing instruments for flash sterilization
Ultrasonic cleaning provides an intense scrubbing action that leads to unsurpassed cleaning speed and
consistency when compared with simple soaking or immersion with agitation. Refer to CS-7680
Operation of: Ultrasonic Cleaner-Crest. The ultrasonic chamber is cleaned every morning and filled
with Infection Control approved enzymatic cleaning solution by the OCS Surgical Support Technician.
When cleaning heavily soiled items or a large number of items, change cleaning solutions frequently to
avoid recontamination of instruments.
1. Wear appropriate PPE such as masks, goggles or face shields, gloves, and gowns.
2. Try to separate soiled instruments from clean.
3. Use basin or sink with water and Infection Control approved enzymatic cleaning solution.
4. Poole suctions and instruments that can be disassembled are dismantled for hand washing
before being placed in ultrasonic.
5. Use a brush or pipe cleaner to thoroughly clean suctions or cannulated instruments with the
enzymatic cleaning solution.
6. Perform manual cleaning while holding the instrument and the brush under the water.
7. Clean all visibly soiled instruments with soft–bristle brushes, paying attention to ratchets,
serrations and joints. Also open box locks.
8. Place tray or instrument in ultrasonic chamber for pre-set time closing the lid. In ante room
area between OR 1 and OR 2 place lid over ultrasonic. Never operate the ultrasonic without
liquid in the tank, and the liquid level should be one inch from the top of the tank when
operating the unit.
9. Transfer tray or instrument in final rinse and dry chamber for pre-set time closing the lid. In
ante room area between OR 1 and OR 2, rinse instruments with sterile water or RO water.
RO water can be taken from the hose that fills the small ultrasonic.
10. After completion, inspect all instruments for cleanliness and place in pass-through window
for flash sterilization. In ante room area, place instruments into flash sterilizer for
appropriate time. See below for appropriate flash times.
11. Reminder: If any cannulated instruments are going to be autoclaved in a steam sterilizer, the
inner cannula must be moist prior to flash sterilization.
Hand wash instruments for flash sterilization
1. Wear appropriate PPE such as masks, goggles or face shield, gloves, and gowns
2. Hand wash all instruments (i.e., scopes, power equipment, delicate instruments) which
cannot be submerged or go through the ultrasonic.
3. Inspect all components for foreign debris such as blood, fat tissue, bone etc. Disassemble
any components that need to be taken apart.
4. If any foreign debris is found, wash instrument with clean cloth or soft brush soaked with
appropriate enzymatic cleaning solution according to manufacturer's instructions.
5. Cannulated instruments must have a brush, pipe cleaner or equivalent run through until
clean. Pipe cleaners used for cleaning lumens should be discarded at the end of the day, or