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R E P R O C E S S I N G
sterile processing team is adequately equipped to do the job.
We often hear about departments that, due to thrifty management or budgetary constraints, lack the proper supplies
to handle each device in accordance with its instructions. With
regard to scopes, the brushes
used for manual cleaning are a
big issue. Having the right sized
brushes for all the different-sized
lumens and channels on a scope
makes a big difference in reprocessing results. If the cost of single-use brushes seems high,
reusable ones are available, but
keep in mind that you may need
several sets, as you'll always
have to reprocess the brushes
between uses.
Then verify that your central
sterile staffers are putting these
supplies to proper use. I've
heard of techs who were under
the mistaken impression that the
process of manual cleaning
involved brushing 3 times. You
have to brush until the lumen is
clean. If you brush 3 times and
