One of the more common complaints about
reprocessing performance, as well as culprits for reprocessing breakdowns,
involves adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU) – be they
for the device
being processed or the materials doing the processing.
In fact, sterile processing professionals
may not follow the manufacturer’s IFU either out of ignorance or defiance.
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Carol Stevens |
Here are two of the more prominent
misunderstood or overlooked device manufacturer instructions for cleaning,
disinfecting and sterilizing and why they make the list, according to Carol
K. Stevens, BSN, R.N., CGRN, clinical education consultant, Advanced
Sterilization Products.
"Proper
reprocessing of endoscopes is a multi-step process and if even one step is
not completed or missed, patient care can be compromised," Stevens insisted.
"As such, following the manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU) is
critical to ensuring you are delivering the highest standard of care in your
facility.
A couple of the most commonly overlooked instructions include:
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"Leak testing: Leak testing must occur every
time an endoscope is reprocessed, as a leak can indicate damage to the
endoscope. An advantage of the EVOTECH Endoscope Cleaner and Reprocessor (ECR)
from Advanced Sterilization Products is its built-in, automated leak
testing for every endoscope during every cycle. If there is a leak, the
EVOTECH ECR will automatically cancel the cycle and will not move the
endoscope forward in the cleaning and high-level disinfecting process. In
fact, the system performs complete monitoring of critical parameters
including minimum effective concentration (MEC), block detection,
temperature and pressure every second of the cycle.
-
"Enzymatic solution: When it comes to
enzymatic solution, some think that more is better. But if the quantity of
solution used or the concentration of the solution is too high, it can
create a film on the lens of the scope. This could ultimately lead to
visual impairment for the physician during a patient procedure. Always
follow the IFU for your enzymatic solution, and be wary as the
manufacturer could make changes to the concentration or IFU."
