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in all organic matter. Here's how it works: Swab a surface after it's
been cleaned, then slide the swab into a handheld meter. In less
than a minute, the meter will calculate whether bioload remains
on the surface, quantitatively reporting the results as a number. In
another method that uses protein testing, the swab changes color
to indicate bioload. The rapid assessments offered by both meth-
ods make them easy to implement, even in rapidly paced surgical
facilities.
These tests can be put to several different uses. With new instru-
ments, they can tell us if our cleaning methods are effective. With
new employees, they can determine if standards are being met. Or
they can just provide routine assurances that your instruments are
clean.
OSM
Ms. Klacik (
sklacik@yahoo.com
) is the manager of central sterile servic-
es at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown, Ohio.
I N S T R U M E N T R E P R O C E S S I N G
