4 4 S U P P L E M E N T T O O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E M A Y 2 0 1 7
You must wash rigid containers before every use, with no exceptions. Equally
important is that you wash containers according to their specific manufacturer's
instructions for use. I've seen staff wipe down containers with bleach wipes,
even when the instructions didn't indicate they could be used. It's also impor-
tant to consult a manufacturer's disassembly instructions. For example, you
must remove the filter plates in containers before cleaning.
Instructions for use also indicate if you should wash containers manually
or mechanically, or use both methods. After manual washing, thoroughly
rinse detergent out of the container, because residue can negatively impact
the container. Also be sure to use the detergent noted in a container's instruc-
tions for use. For example, many containers cannot be exposed to alkaline
cleaning products. Also be sure to use lint-free or low-linting cloth during
manual cleaning.
If you opt for mechanical washing, make sure to properly load containers into
the automated washer. Think of these machines like your dishwasher at home; if
you overload it, without enough space between items, the cleaning solution can't
access all the surfaces. How close is too close when placing containers? It depends
largely on how your washer arms are positioned and how its racks are laid out.
Also, consult the washer's instructions for use, because some units require that you
place sterilization containers on a special rack.
3. Assemble as directed
After cleaning, carefully reassemble instrument sets and place them in the rigid
containers for sterilization. Again, consult a container's instructions for use to see
which items are validated for the containers you use. For example, some contain-
ers are not appropriate for lumened instruments and others cannot handle
absorbent materials, such as towels. Loaner instruments can be put only into con-
tainers validated for this use. Peel packs for single instruments should never be put
inside a container. In addition, no items should be placed outside of a container's
manufacturer-approved instrument rack or basket.
