Cleaning is the removal of foreign material (e.g., soil, and organic material) from objects and is normally accomplished using water with detergents or enzymatic products. Thorough cleaning is required before high-level disinfection and sterilization because inorganic and organic materials that remain on the surfaces of instruments interfere with the effectiveness of these processes.  Mechanical Cleaning is the preferred method to cleaning instruments or devices – known to be 16 times more effective then cleaning manually.

The most common types of mechanical or automatic cleaners are ultrasonic cleaners, washer-decontaminators, washer-disinfectors, and washer-sterilizers.

Ultrasonic cleaning removes soil by cavitation and implosion in which waves of acoustic energy are propagated in aqueous solutions to disrupt the bonds that hold particulate matter to surfaces.  Bacterial contamination can be present in used ultrasonic cleaning solutions (and other used detergent solutions) because these solutions generally do not make antibacterial label claims.  Even though ultrasound alone does not significantly inactivate bacteria, sonication can act synergistically to increase the cidal efficacy of a disinfectant.  Users of ultrasonic cleaners should be aware that the cleaning fluid could result in endotoxin contamination of surgical instruments, which could cause severe inflammatory reactions. 

Washer-sterilizers are modified steam sterilizers that clean by filling the chamber with water and detergent through which steam passes to provide agitation. Instruments are subsequently rinsed and subjected to a short steam-sterilization cycle.  Another washer-sterilizer employs rotating spray arms for a wash cycle followed by a steam sterilization cycle at 285°F. 

Washer-decontaminators/disinfectors act like a dishwasher that uses a combination of water circulation and detergents to remove soil.  These units sometimes have a cycle that subjects the instruments to a heat process (e.g., 93°C for 10 minutes).  Washer-disinfectors are generally computer-controlled units for cleaning, disinfecting, and drying solid and hollow surgical and medical equipment.   

See the complete recommendations on cleaning, disinfection and sterilization at www.cdc.gov “Guideline for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities, 2008”.

ATS, Inc. also stocks ultrasonic cleaners – see Supplies.   ATS, Inc. provides products and services to assist your office in its endeavor for sterility assurance, protecting yourself, your patients and staff from the spread of harmful communicable diseases.

DID YOU KNOW?

§       Autoclave Testing Service, Inc. is one of the first companies nationwide to offer a Mail-In sterilizer monitoring service using biological indicators.  Serving the healthcare industry throughout the United States and Canada since 1986, we have thousands of satisfied customers.

§       We have on-line test results allowing you to access your results at your convenience!  Your Sterilizer Test Report (STR) is posted on-line upon completion of culturing, offering minimum turn-around time.

§       We have 24-hour test results for Steam sterilizers!

§       We have a comprehensive Glossary of Terms related to the sterile processing area (scroll below to view the Glossary).  This is invaluable information, assisting you with this important area of your facility.

ATS, Inc. now stocks sterilization pouches, sterilizer cleaners, chemical indicator products, sterilizers (new and used), ultrasonic cleaners, water distillers, and more!  (see Supplies).