Infection prevention: the essentials of cleaning and disinfection for safer practice

  • Helen Louise Loudon Quality Mx systems
Keywords: bioburden, biofilm, cleaning, disinfection, microbicidal, semi-critical, critical, legal compliance, toxic occupational exposure

Abstract

Instruments, power tools and clinical equipment are a major asset and represent a significant share of the total capital investment in a hospital, but also present a challenge with regard to thorough cleaning and risk-appropriate disinfection. Residual biohazardous material, especially in joints, hinges and lumens, represents an obvious cross-infection risk, while inappropriate cleaning and reprocessing procedures may damage surfaces, contribute to corrosion and shorten the lifespan of equipment. This article will summarise the key aspects to be considered when cleaning and disinfecting equipment, and highlight poor clinical practices which compromise patient and healthcare worker safety.

Author Biography

Helen Louise Loudon, Quality Mx systems
RN UDNE (UKZN) CIC (NMMU) Independent Infection Prevention and Quality Management Specialist
Published
2015-10-27
Section
Infection Control/Communicable diseases