3. Use the right equipment
Techs should manually clean lumened devices, even if the instruments are going
to be placed in an automated washer. During this step, be sure techs are using
the correct brush to scrub the inside of the lumen. Information on the size and
style of the brush is usually found in instrument manufacturers' instructions for
use. The brush size should be the same diameter as the lumen. If it's too small, it
won't create enough friction to clean the lumen properly; if it's too large, the
bristles won't fit correctly inside the instrument. Some facilities try to standard-
ize the brushes that are used in the sterile processing department, so they have
to stock only 2 or 3 types and sizes. That may work for 95% of your instruments,
but it's essential to have brushes that fit all of your lumened devices. Consider
expanding your brush inventory, so your techs can effectively clean the other
