How to Load a Medical Automatic Washer

Solutions to Poor Loading

To decrease the frequency of poor loading practices and its impact, medical facilities need to employ solutions based upon sources of help:

Stringing of instruments

Verification of the process

Education and training

From the OR

Checklist

From the OR

“The first steps in proper reprocessing cycle are taken in the operating theatre.”²⁸ The condition in which instruments are sent back is important. Are the instruments in the “open position,” are they “‘soaking in a solution,” have they been “wetted or sprayed with something?” The condition of instruments returned to decontamination plays a major role in the successful cleaning of the instruments. The length of time an instrument waits to begin the cleaning process can be a problem; this could be called decontamination holding time (DHT). Cooperation from the user of the instruments is important; how they send the instruments to be cleaned can add time to the process.

Actual instruments being returned to be processed after surgery (notice the blood on the drill handle,not even wiped off after use).

In recent years we have seen an increase in the use of sprays and gels to help break down the various bioburden found on surgical instruments. One reason is the DHT factors; it could be minutes to hours and even days in some cases when instruments actually get processed. These types of products help in keeping the instruments moist and usually include hydrolyzing enzymes which begin the process of breaking down blood and other soils. In fact sprays and gels have replaced the more traditional method of placing a wet cloth over instruments after surgery.