STERILIZATION AND DISINFECTION DECONTAMINATION

Decontamination is the process by which contaminated items are rendered safe for handling by personnel who are not wearing protective attire.

All used supplies and equipment are considered contaminated and should be collected and transported to the decontamination area in a manner that minimizes the potential of contamination of staff, patients, or the environment.

DECONTAMINATION ROOM

DECONTAMINATION Supplies should be contained Carts covered Containers covered Closed plastic bags Transported by dumbwaiters Area should be kept isolated from main surgery area.

DECONTAMINATION AREA Must be clean to reduce risk of infection. Minimize bioburden on items as they enter the preparation area. Areas disinfected daily, every shift PPE / Scrubs, cap, shoe covers, gloves, mask, goggles, face shield ( remove when leaving area)

NEEDLES AND SHARPS When moving trash or soiled linen, pick up bags from the top and hold away from the body. Recapping of contaminated needles is not allowed. Contaminated disposable needles and sharps must be put into facility designated, colored, disposable, puncture-resistant, leakproof sharps containers right away. Never over fill containers

EATING AND DRINKING Eating, drinking, putting on make-up or lip balm, and handling contact lenses are not allowed in areas where contact with blood and other potentially infectious materials may occur. Food and drink must not be stored in or on shelves, cabinets, or countertops where blood and other potentially infectious materials may be present.

HOUSEKEEPIN, LAUNDRY AND REGULATED WASTE A routine schedule for cleaning and decontamination of all equipment, work surfaces, sinks, cupboards, floors, walls and ceilings must be established and maintained.

DETERGENTS AND CLEANING AGENTS PROTEOLYTIC ENZYMATIC CLEANERS – BLOOD AND BODY FLUIDS LIPOLYTIC – BONE MARROW AND ADIPOSE

DISINFECTANTS Thoroughly clean before disinfecting – dirt, blood, mucus and tissue will interfere with the action of the disinfectant. Do not mix with each other or with detergents, since this may inactivate. Tap water may contain minerals that my interfere with the action of disinfectants.

DISINFECTANTS Use only disinfectants whose labels indicate approval by the EPA for hospital use. REMEMBER! – Disinfectants kill microorganisms, they also can be harmful to the cells of the human body. Use in well ventilated areas.

DISINFECTANTS AND ANTISEPTICS Quaternary ammonium compounds ( Quats) – Commonly used as low-level disinfectants for environmental cleaning. – Nontoxic to humans – Must be diluted / distilled water – Neutralized or absorbed by gauze, cotton and wool. – Corrosive to metal

CHLORINE AND IODINE Chemical group called “halogens” Gaseous at room temp. Mixed with other chemicals to keep them in a solution form.

CHLORINE AND IODINE THINK BLEACH! USED ON SURFACES THAT MAY BE CONTAMINATED WITH HEPATITIS OR AIDS VIRSU. DETERIORATES WITH AGE AND CORRODES STAINLESS STEEL

CHLORINE AND IODINE Iodine is used primarily as an antiseptic on skin. Tincture of iodine ( iodine and alcohol) used on cuts and abrasions. Handwashing, preping etc.

PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS Derived from carbolic acid ( Phenol) Leaves residual film – long lasting Vegetative bacteria Fungus TB Not effective: bacterial spores and some viruses

PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS TOXIC – DON’T USE IN FOOD PREP AREAS OR NURSERY Hexachlorophene Absorbed through skin Can cause nervous syst. Damage to infants.

GLUTARALDEHYDE Effective high-level disinfectant CIDEX Use life = 28 days Very toxic / thoroughly rinse Used on medical devices – Endoscopes, Resp. equip etc.