MENDOCINOCOASTDISTRICTHOSPITAL

INFECTION CONTROL POLICY AND PROCEDURE STATEMENT

NUMBER: 170.1027

PAGE: 1 OF 2

TITLE: CLEANING SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS PRIOR TO STERILIZING

PURPOSE:

To ensure thorough, safe cleaning prior to sterilization of all surgical instruments used for patient care.

POLICY:

After patient use, all instruments will be processed in the department of use following standard guidelines and returned to Central Sterile Supply for sterilization.

PROCEDURE:

  1. Used instruments will be cleaned and decontaminated in the dirty utility room.}
  2. Staff will wear heavy gloves, protective face shield while cleaning instruments.
  3. OSHA Guidelines and Universal Precautions must be followed for staff protection.
  4. All sharps (blades and needles) will be removed and discarded in sharps container.
  • In departments where appropriate, sharps will have been placed in commercial Needle Guard for further protection.

4. Instruments will be soaked in an approved enzymatic cleaner (i.e. Endozine, Enzol) and cold water (1oz. per gallon) for minimum of 1 minute. For equipment with dried-on-matter extend soak time. Use 2 oz. per gallon of water and use warm water.

  • Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for dilution and soak times for each brand of Enzymatic cleaner. All instruments except towel clips will be opened to allow soak solution to reach teeth and joints.

5. Scrubbing of instruments will be done with a soft brush to remove all contaminants from teeth and joints.

  • Holding instrument submerged will limit splashing, protect staff.

6. Solution must be rinsed thoroughly. Rinse with plain warm water and lay on towel to dry.

7. Instruments will be picked up by Central Sterile Supply each a.m. for further care, wrapping, and sterilization.

  • Sterilization will be done per guidelines in "Recommended Practices for Sterilization" 2nd Edition 1988 from the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation.

Attachments:

New:10/94Revised: 10/95, 01/96, 09/97, 11/2008

Approval Signatures:

______

Infection Control CoordinatorDate

______

Chairperson, Infection Control Advisory CommitteeDate

______

Chairperson, Integrated Quality Management CommitteeDate

______

Medical Chief of Staff Date

______

Chief Executive OfficerDate

______

President, Board of DirectorsDate

170.1027 Cleaning Surgical Instruments Prior to Sterilization.doc