Cleaning begins at the point of use, however when the instruments come to decontamination, that’s when our job in sterile processing begins! Inspecting sorting, disassembling, rinsing, soaking, flushing and brushing along with any specialized IFU requirements is done to thousands of instruments per shift, and per day. Each instrument must be inspected, checked and cleaned. This is a tall order, and an extremely important one that we as sterile processing technicians must get right for many reasons, but the number one reason being for our patients. We must keep in mind when doing our job in decontamination that someone is working diligently on the other side checking, inspecting, testing and assembling the trays that we decontaminated. They will touch these instruments with their hands. Just as important as patient safety, is our safety. The sterile processing technicians taking care to do the job to the best of our ability. Education and training that includes rationale so that we can speak to WHY we follow processes that are considered to be standard, is crucial to the success of a sterile processing department at delivering quality and safety. #sterileprocessing #patientsafety #infectionprevention #standardization #employeesafety #decontamination
Nicole Walley, I agree. Point of Use cleaning is the beginning of the process. POU is designed to reduce bioburden and enhance the process of decontamination. It is a process that should be well-regulated by hospital leadership, essentially it is a safety process. However, as you indicate, in the end, the Sterile Processing staff need to be diligent in their processes. We are the first gatekeeper for the patient and our fellow staff.
As an IP spending time in the OR, decontamination starts at the POU. I preach this process everywhere I go. Thank you for the post.
Good to know!
I love your posts so much!! The WHY is so important! 🏆
Nicole… la baja de biocarga es un paso muy importante en el punto de uso, es el primer paso en el proceso.
nice write up ... Nicole Walley
Well said Nicole. This is so important.
Educator/Quality Assurance Manager
7moWell said, but I'd have to disagree with the first phrase. Cleaning starts in the decontamination area and decontamination starts at point of use. POUT's only purpose for us, is to keep soils moist......and of course remove disposable/ SUD.