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From this article:
Can anyone tell me why handwashing an instrument before putting it in the cleaning machine is a no-no?
Can anyone tell me why handwashing an instrument before putting it in the cleaning machine is a no-no?
Why is Handwashing Before Using a Cleaning Machine a Protocol Violation?
- Medical
- Thread starter Drakkith
- Start date
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- cleaning Instrument Medical
In summary, it looks like the dental technicians were not following protocol by handwashing their tools before putting them in the cleaning machines. This may have spread infection to the person doing the washing and then to other people. The staff was not familiar with relevant VHA guidance regarding RME, which may have lead to the failure to follow protocol.
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SteamKing
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Well, the total circumstances surrounding the hand cleaning of the instruments are not clear, but don't you think that hand washing a potentially contaminated instrument can spread infection to the person doing the washing? And then this person is putting their hands in your mouth, even with gloves on? 
Still, it's bad clinical practice. A doctor or a dentist should use disposable stuff or have an autoclave to sterilize instruments after each use.
Still, it's bad clinical practice. A doctor or a dentist should use disposable stuff or have an autoclave to sterilize instruments after each use.
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Hmm, I see what you mean about spreading a disease to the person doing the washer, however it seems like they did use an autoclave or similar machine to clean their instruments after handwashing them. I wonder if the problem was that the tools were possible infected, or that the people were? (or both?)
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AlephZero
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They were also potentially contaminating the hand-washing facility, which might have been used by other people for supposedly "low risk" activities like (literally) hand washing.
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atyy
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http://www.va.gov/oig/54/reports/VAOIG-10-03346-112.pdf
- Soiled items were observed being packaged and heat-sealed for sterilization without proper cleaning.
- Items were visibly dirty post-sterilization.
- Items sealed for sterilization were visibly wet.
- A basin was observed to be incorrectly wrapped prior to sterilization.
- Items were being packaged for the incorrect sterilization method.
- Standard operating procedures (SOPs), manufacturers’ instructions, and staff competencies were not available for review.
- Staff was not familiar with relevant VHA guidance regarding RME.
- Soiled items were observed being packaged and heat-sealed for sterilization without proper cleaning.
- Items were visibly dirty post-sterilization.
- Items sealed for sterilization were visibly wet.
- A basin was observed to be incorrectly wrapped prior to sterilization.
- Items were being packaged for the incorrect sterilization method.
- Standard operating procedures (SOPs), manufacturers’ instructions, and staff competencies were not available for review.
- Staff was not familiar with relevant VHA guidance regarding RME.
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Thanks, Atyy, that makes a lot more sense.
1. What is the purpose of medical instrument cleaning?
The purpose of medical instrument cleaning is to remove any physical debris, organic material, and microorganisms from medical instruments to prevent the spread of infection and ensure the instruments are safe to use on patients.
2. How is medical instrument cleaning different from sterilization?
Medical instrument cleaning is the first step in the process of ensuring the safety and effectiveness of medical instruments. It involves physically removing dirt and microorganisms from the surface of the instruments. Sterilization, on the other hand, is the process of killing all microorganisms on the instruments to make them completely free of any potential pathogens.
3. What methods are used for cleaning medical instruments?
There are several methods used for cleaning medical instruments, including manual cleaning with brushes and detergent, ultrasonic cleaning, and automated washing machines. The method used depends on the type of instrument and the level of contamination.
4. How often should medical instruments be cleaned?
Medical instruments should be cleaned after every use to prevent the spread of infection. They should also be cleaned if they come into contact with blood or bodily fluids during a procedure. Regular cleaning and maintenance can also prolong the lifespan of the instruments.
5. Can all medical instruments be cleaned and sterilized?
Not all medical instruments can be cleaned and sterilized using the same methods. Some instruments, such as those with delicate electronic components, may require specialized cleaning and sterilization processes. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for each instrument to ensure proper cleaning and sterilization.
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