Disassembly, Water Quality and Detergents

Instrument Sorting, Disassembly, and Decontamination Safety

The sterile processing technician plays a vital role in patient safety by executing each phase of medical device reprocessing, which includes cleaning, decontamination, inspection, assembly, packaging, sterilization, and storage of instruments. Throughout every step of this workflow, technicians must strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions for use (IFU) and facility policy. Device reprocessing begins with point-of-use treatment to remove gross soil and prevent soil from drying; when devices arrive in the decontamination area, technicians sort them to protect personnel and delicate equipment. Sorting instruments in the decontamination area prevents damage to delicate devices and enhances cleaning efficiency. Disposable blades and suture needles should be removed and discarded in approved sharps containers at the point of use; technicians must use appropriate precautions to identify and safely handle any sharps that arrive in decontamination.

Delicate items require specialized handling to prevent costly damage. Technicians must separate microsurgical, ophthalmic, and other delicate instruments from heavier devices, utilizing protective trays or containers as directed by their IFUs. When arranging items, position heavy instruments so they cannot crush delicate items or obstruct cleaning, following tray and equipment IFUs. Hinged instruments, such as hemostats and scissors, must be fully opened and unlocked during the cleaning process so that all working surfaces are exposed to cleaning solutions and mechanical action. Powered surgical instruments, air hoses, and electrical cords must not be submerged unless specifically approved by their IFU. Similarly, technicians must handle rigid and flexible endoscopes according to their specialized cleaning IFUs, separating or protecting them from other instruments as required.

Multi-part instruments must be disassembled prior to cleaning according to the manufacturer's instructions for use. Disassembly exposes lumens, crevices, and mating surfaces so they can be cleaned as directed by the device's IFU. Because complex devices often include tiny screws, caps, or adaptors, small disassembled components should be secured in mesh containment baskets to prevent loss during processing. When a device may be immersed according to its IFU, perform manual brushing and scrubbing below the water surface to minimize splashing and aerosolization; clean nonimmersible devices as directed by their IFUs.