step for an effective
cleaning process.
Proper enzymatic
solution and temper-
ature must be in
range for effective-
ness. You must use
the right-sized brush
when brushing
lumens — be sure to
properly dispose of
brushes after every
use. And be sure to
use fresh water to
rinse residual enzy-
matic.
Measure cleaning efficacy.
The use of real-time indicators
of cleaning efficacy, such as ATP, protein, hemoglobin or carbo-
hydrate, can help your sterile processing department pinpoint break-
downs in manual cleaning processes, says Mr. Gonzalez. These kits let
you measure the decontamination process at peak hours when
employees might be tempted to take shortcuts in the recommended
reprocessing steps or department protocol.
Handle scopes with care and cleanliness.
These are
often overlooked points when discussing scope reprocessing.
When storing or preparing for use, endoscopes must be handled using
proper hand hygiene and with clean gloves, says Afif J. Escheik, BA,
CHL, CIS, CRCST, CST, regional director of operations for the sterile
9
8
F E B R U A R U Y 2 0 1 8 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 5 1
• DRY TIME Drying endoscopes before hanging them in storage is a must — moisture
in the internal channels could let microbial growth thrive.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
