Quality Control in Laboratory Washing Cycles

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Questions and Answers

What should you do if a container cycle was inadvertently used for instruments?

Accept the load for processing

Notify the quality control team

Continue with the current cycle

Reject the load and send it back for reprocessing (correct)

Why would a load be rejected due to blocked spray arms?

Because the load is not properly configured

Because the arms are damaged

Because correct cleaning and disinfection may not have occurred (correct)

Because the RMD is not compatible

What should you do if you notice excessive wetness in a load?

Accept the load and move on to the next step

Notify the maintenance team

Reject the load and send it back for reprocessing

Investigate the cause of the excessive wetness (correct)

What is the consequence of not disassembling devices properly?

Adequate cleaning may not have occurred Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you notice a device that was not properly disassembled in the wash area?

Return the entire tray for reprocessing Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to document non-conformances and rejected loads?

To improve quality control Signup and view all the answers

What should you do if you notice the spray arm rotation has been hindered?

Send the load back for reprocessing Signup and view all the answers

Who should be notified in case of a non-conformance or rejected load?

The line manager Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if staining and/or residue are present on the load?

Return the entire load for re-processing Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to inspect devices under magnification?

To detect small pieces of bioburden or debris Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked on cannulated devices?

The channel's patency (clearance) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of checking insulated devices with a diathermy pin point tester?

To detect damaged surfaces and ensure insulation intact Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to check devices for free movement and non-sticking joints?

To ensure the device's mechanical functionality Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a device set is incomplete?

Document the issue and report to the line manager Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of function testing telescopes and light cables?

To ensure the device's electrical functionality Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a device is damaged, incomplete, or malfunctioning?

Document the issue and report to the line manager Signup and view all the answers

Why is it essential to check devices for sharpness?

To ensure the device's sharpness for effective use Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of a computerized track system in the decontamination process?

To accurately track devices and device trays throughout the process Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a handheld barcode reader in the computerized track system?

To scan and log device information for each tray Signup and view all the answers

What is generated automatically once a barcode label is scanned by the specialist preparing the tray?

A packing list and a unique barcode label Signup and view all the answers

What happens once a new processing cycle begins in the computerized track system?

A new unique unit number is produced each time Signup and view all the answers

What is an alternative to the computerized track system?

A manual system using a pre-printed tray checklist and manual label gun Signup and view all the answers

How should devices be arranged in a tray?

From left to right, according to when they will be required in a procedure Signup and view all the answers

Why should forceps be placed on instrument pins?

To prevent tangling and to hold them together Signup and view all the answers

Why should ratchets be left open during sterilization?

To ensure steam can penetrate all surfaces Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended maximum weight for surgical instrument sets trays?

25 pounds Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if an extra device or missing device is found during tray assembly?

Report it to the supervisor and document the non-conformance Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for positioning metal basins in a way that allows moisture to drain during sterilization?

To facilitate drainage and drying Signup and view all the answers

What is the next step in the IAP process after inspecting each individual device for cleanliness and functionality?

Assembly of devices that were disassembled for washing Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary consideration when selecting a wrapping material for sterilization?

The sterilization process to be used Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of packaging materials in the perioperative practice setting?

To provide a barrier to microbial penetration Signup and view all the answers

Why is re-usable linen discouraged in the perioperative practice setting?

Due to the risk of strike-through Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common type of packaging material used in hospitals?

Sterilization wraps Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor in determining the type of packaging material to be used?

The sterilization process to be used Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using wicking material such as surgical towels during the sterilization of metal basins?

To facilitate drainage and drying Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Unloading the Washer-Disinfector

After unloading the WD, quality checks should be performed to ensure the load is acceptable.
Check for correct cycle, spray arm not blocked, and no soil or staining on visual inspection.

Quality Checks

Check the load for:
- Correct cycle
- No blockage of spray arms
- No soil or staining
- No excessive wetness
- No damage due to configuration
- Devices correctly disassembled
- Completed documentation
If any issues are found, the load must be rejected and sent back for reprocessing.

Local Policies and Procedures

Local policies, procedures, and guidelines will determine what happens to the load next.
Standard processes should also be followed, including:
- Checking the chart record for the cycle
- Verifying the operating cycle selected
- Visual inspection of the load for damage, staining, or residue
- Checking for dryness

Manually Cleaned Device Acceptance

Quality checks must also be carried out when accepting items that were not processed in a WD.
Check for:
- Soil or staining
- Excessive wetness
- Damage
- Correctly disassembled devices
- Completed documentation

Inspection and Functionality Test

All surgical devices unloaded from the WD must be inspected for:
- Cleanliness
- Stains
- Corrosion
- Cracks
- Breakage
- Stiffness of movable parts
Devices should be checked under magnification, and each device should be inspected separately.
Check hinges, jaws, and teeth for proper alignment and movement.

Computerized Track System

The system allows for accurate tracking of devices and device trays throughout the decontamination process.
The system consists of handheld barcode readers connected to PCs that log and store information for each tray.
Once the barcode label is scanned, a packing list and unique barcode label are generated.
A new unique unit number is produced each time a new processing cycle begins.

Alternative to Computerized System

A manual system may be used, consisting of a pre-printed tray checklist and manual label gun.

Assembling Devices into Trays

Devices should be arranged in the tray from left to right, in the order they will be required in a procedure.
Check the tray against the checklist to ensure consistency.

Instrument Pin

Forceps should be placed on instrument pins to hold them together and reduce tangling.

Ratchets Position

Leave all forceps with ratchets open, except when stringers are not available, close devices with ratchets on the first ratchet only.

Dealing with Sharp Instruments

Use validated tip protectors to protect delicate or sharp items.
Tray liners or silicone mats may also be used to protect devices.

Missing or Extra Devices

Report any missing or extra devices to the supervisor and document the non-conformance.

Overcrowded or Overweight Trays

Avoid overcrowding or overweight trays, as they can lead to issues with drying and sterility failure.

Standard for Tray Weight

According to ANSI/AAMI ST77 and ANSI/AAMI ST79, the maximum weight of surgical instrument sets trays is 25 pounds, including the weight of instruments and containers.

Dealing with Metal Basins

Position metal basins to allow moisture to drain during sterilization.
Use wicking material, such as surgical towels, to facilitate drainage and drying.

Packaging

The main considerations in wrapping materials are the type of wrap and packaging techniques applied.
Packaging materials and techniques are designed to hold and protect devices, facilitate sterilization, and maintain sterility.

Re-usable Linen

Re-usable linen is discouraged due to the risk of strike-through and linting, which can lead to cross-contamination.

Common Packaging Materials

The most common packaging materials used are:
1. Rigid containers
2. Peel pouches of plastic and/or paper
3. Sterilization wraps

Choosing Wrapping Material

The choice of wrapping material depends on the packaged and sterilization process to be used.

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Description

This quiz tests your knowledge on quality control measures in laboratory washing cycles, including correct cycle procedures and contaminant detection. Learn how to ensure proper cleaning and disinfection of laboratory instruments.