EFHSS Questions and Answers - Question Q00746

Hi. Need some advise from fellow experts

Do we really need to disinfect used instruments at the point of use? if so, what disinfectants should be use? is there any guidelines on this?

Thanks.
Leon

Dear,
Your question in not entirely clear to me, so I shall answer with a wide range of possibilities, hoping it will help.
Used instrument should be cleaned as soon as possible after the procedure. Items should be decontaminated in a controlled environment, preferably CS department, and if not available, in a separate designated area in OR. If instruments have to “wait” a long time until cleaning process, they should be wetted either with towels absorbed in distilled water, or sprayed with an enzymatic material intended for this use, available from several vendors. There is no need to disinfect instruments before transferring them to CSSD.
I hope it helps, please, do not hesitate to ask more questions.

Regards,
Yaffa Raz

Dear Raz,

Many thanks for your kind answer.

Do we need to pre-clean (remove gross soil) the instrument before sending those to CSSD? We've heard many different view on this. Some recommend us to pre-clean and some against it.

Please kindly advise.

Thanks.

Your question is very intersting knowing that many countries used different ways to re-process the instruments.
For example France is using a Pre-Disinfection protocol at point of use: it means a pre soak step starting at point of use (OR) and ending in the CSD. Then, instruments are soaking in a disinfectant solution just after being used (for about 20 minutes). It avoids the risk of dry blood on instruments difficult to clean and help to remove the proteins from the devices.
The automatic cleaning (washing machine) seems to be more efficient in this way.
There are no rules at the moment... this is just the French protocol.