Instrument Cleaning and Reprocessing in Office Based Practice
1Infection Control Service, Communicable Disease Control Branch, Department for Health and Wellbeing
The principles of infection control which underpin the reprocessing of reusable medical devices are no less relevant to patient safety in an office based environment than they are in the acute or hospital setting. However, design and workflow considerations in this environment often limit the equipment and resources that can be accommodated in a reprocessing area. Among other responsibilities, staff may also find limited time to accomplish the key stages of reprocessing which will be critical to their patients’ safety.
In addition to key proof of process records, a health service organisation may need to demonstrate that quality was planned for throughout the reprocessing cycle.
This presentation will address the practical tasks carried out in the office based reprocessing area and describe common quality measures, including:
- Responsibilities of reprocessing staff
- Selection of decontamination agents and accessories
- Checking of instruments
- Packing and labelling
- Use of chemical indicators and other quality measures
- Overview of benchtop sterilisers and their function
Biography:
Andrew has over fifteen years’ experience in sterilisation, including management of two large hospital CSSDs and coordination of the transition to the new Royal Adelaide Hospital CSSD in 2017. As State Coordinator for Sterilisation and Reprocessing at SA Health, his work involves supporting compliance and forward planning across metropolitan and regional government health services as well as the regulation of licensed private facilities. He has qualifications in microbiology, sterilisation and project management and takes an active interest in reprocessing education, including as a committee member of SRACA SA.