Decontamination of surgical instruments (HTM 01-01)
Best practice, Review
Abstract:
HTM 01-01 explains the management of decontamination and the various ways to sterilize reusable medical devices.
Category:
Control
Management
Prevention
Expert Review
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Summary:
The guide provides information on the decontamination of surgical instruments and can be applied to any healthcare setting where reusable surgical instruments are reprocessed. It outlines the basic principles of decontamination but is not a replacement for legislative documents or other more detailed guidance issued by the Department of Health.It includes information on: -· Aim, scope, audience, structure, decontamination life cycle, basic requirements for decontamination, tracking and traceability, infection control policies and decontamination training· Transportation of contaminated surgical instruments and associated equipment· Acquisition – purchasing and loan surgical instruments and equipment· Cleaning – first use and pre-treatment of surgical instruments, disassembly of instruments, automated and manual cleaning· Disinfection · Inspection, function testing and repairs· Packaging and labelling of sterile surgical instruments· Sterilization – types of sterilizers and testing required· Transportation of decontaminated surgical instruments and associated equipment· Storage of sterile products· Use of surgical instruments and associated equipment· Processing of flexible endoscopes· References and glossary The document is a useful and easy to understand guide to the basic requirements for decontamination of surgical instruments and would usefully inform local policy guidance.
Questions Addressed:
The guide provides information on the decontamination of surgical instruments and can be applied to any healthcare setting where reusable surgical instruments are reprocessed. It outlines the basic principles of decontamination but is not a replacement for legislative documents or other more detailed guidance issued by the Department of Health.
Type of Study:
Review of best practice
Methods Valid:
Yes
Methods Valid Detail:
The guide covers the broader issues relating to reprocessing of reusable surgical instruments and is useful for any staff who may be involved in any aspect of the decontamination life cycle.
Results Reliability:
Yes, backed up by further references to acts, regulations and legislation
Problems or Biases:
It would be useful to have added URLs for easy access to the documents cited in the references.
Relevant Studies:
Keywords:
decontamination reusable surgical instruments cleaning disinfection inspection sterilization
Reviewer Name:
Sue Wiseman
Reviewer Post:
Nurse Consultant –Infection Control, DH
Reviewer Affiliations:
Member Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens Health Protection Adviser Royal College of Nursing P/T Member Infection Control Nurses Association