M A Y 2 0 1 7 O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T 3 7
er's instructions for use to
ensure the item is
reprocessed properly. It's
a simple directive that
can actually be incredibly
difficult for busy techs to
follow.
Instructions for use are
often poorly written, diffi-
cult to understand or sug-
gest the use of detergents
or devices that a facility
might not have. In addi-
tion, most techs are under
strict time constraints
and pressure to turn
around instruments as
soon as possible. Because
manufacturers' instructions for use are typically tedious and detailed — consid-
er that the reprocessing directions for some flexible endoscopes include more
than 100 steps — it's easy for techs to inadvertently skip over essential parts of
the manual cleaning process.
Pay close attention to your techs' knowledge of the proper way to handle
devices with hard-to-clean lumens, mating surfaces and moving parts. If they're
having difficulty with a specific instrument, consider bringing in a rep from its
manufacturer for a demonstration on the correct way to reprocess the device.
And if issues persist, check to see if there's an alternative and easier-to-clean
instrument that provides the same clinical benefit.
• WIPE DOWN Proper instrument cleaning begins immediately after use in the OR or pro-
cedure room.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
