Infection Prevention and Control – Cleaning and Disinfection of Equipment and InstrumentsSECTION: 14.03

Strength of Evidence Level: 3__RN__LPN/LVN__HHA

PURPOSE:

To provide equipment and instruments that are appropriately cleaned and disinfected.

CONSIDERATIONS:

  1. Always follow manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning.
  2. Single use items should not be reused.
  3. Equipment that is to be transported for repair or service must be labeled to indicate which parts cannot be decontaminated.
  4. Caution must be used in cleaning electrical equipment. This equipment must be unplugged during the procedure.
  5. Cleaning must precede disinfection.
  6. There are many routine procedures performed in the home requiring disinfection of reusable instruments and equipment. Disinfection of instruments/equipment may be accomplished by use of heat or a chemical.
  7. Pasteurization is high-level disinfection (not sterilization) for reusable instruments and equipment that come in contact with mucous membranes or with skin that is not intact.
  8. Disinfectants must be approved by agency infection prevention and control.
  9. Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be used per standard precautions.

EQUIPMENT:

PPE per standard precautions

Basin

Soap/detergent

Disposable cloths

Stainless steel pan with rack or strainer and lid

Item(s) to be cleaned or disinfected

Disinfectant solution as needed

PROCEDURE:

1.Adhere to Standard Precautions.

2.Explain procedure to patient/caregiver.

Cleaning

  1. Discard any disposable parts (suction canister, tubing, cannula, filters, etc.). Parts that are soiled with blood or body fluids must be handled and disposed of per procedure.
  2. Clean the equipment with hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly or follow manufacturer’s specific instructions for cleaning equipment.
  3. Wipe object off with a clean, dry cloth.
  4. Place cloths in plastic-lined trash receptacle for disposal.
  5. Store in clean, dry, dust-free environment, e.g., plastic bag or lidded jar.

Disinfection

1 Remove blood and exudates by cleaning with soap and water using friction, then rinsing with water before disinfecting.

2.Prepare disinfecting solution in basin according to directions.

3.Submerge items in solution for specified length of time per manufacturer.

4.Remove disinfected items from basin.

5.Air dry or dry with paper towels before storing.

6.Store in clean, dry, dust-free environment, e.g., plastic bag or lidded jar.

7.Discard solutions into toilet, wash the basin with soap and water, rinse and dry with paper towels.

Moist Heat Disinfection

  1. Place clean instruments and equipment in pan on top of the rack or strainer.
  2. Cover instruments with water, place lid on pan.
  3. Boil at a rolling boil for 30 minutes. The instruments and equipment are now disinfected.
  4. Cool and drain, allow to dry before using in procedure, storing, or returning to nursing bag.
  5. Storage should be in a clean, dry, airtight container, such as a plastic bag or lidded jar.

AFTER CARE:

1.Document in patient's record:

a.Date, time and name of person performing procedure, if applicable.

b.Instructions given to patient/caregiver.

2.Follow preventive maintenance policy of agency.

REFERENCES:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2008). Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities. Recommendations of CDC and the Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC). Atlanta, GA.

OSHA Regulations: Bloodborne Pathogens Standard (29 CFR 1910.1030).

Rhinehart E, McGoldrick M.M. (2006). Infection Control in Home Care and Hospice. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett.