1. Short summary / abstract
The guide provides information on the decontamination of surgical instruments and can be applied to any healthcare setting where reusable surgical instruments are reprocessed. It outlines the basic principles of decontamination but is not a replacement for legislative documents or other more detailed guidance issued by the Department of Health.
It includes information on: -
· Aim, scope, audience, structure, decontamination life cycle, basic requirements for decontamination, tracking and traceability, infection control policies and decontamination training
· Transportation of contaminated surgical instruments and associated equipment
· Acquisition – purchasing and loan surgical instruments and equipment
· Cleaning – first use and pre-treatment of surgical instruments, disassembly of instruments, automated and manual cleaning
· Disinfection
· Inspection, function testing and repairs
· Packaging and labelling of sterile surgical instruments
· Sterilization – types of sterilizers and testing required
· Transportation of decontaminated surgical instruments and associated equipment
· Storage of sterile products
· Use of surgical instruments and associated equipment
· Processing of flexible endoscopes
· References and glossary
The document is a useful and easy to understand guide to the basic requirements for decontamination of surgical instruments and would usefully inform local policy guidance.
2. What question is the document addressing?
The guide provides information on the decontamination of surgical instruments and can be applied to any healthcare setting where reusable surgical instruments are reprocessed. It outlines the basic principles of decontamination but is not a replacement for legislative documents or other more detailed guidance issued by the Department of Health.
3. Type of study
Review of best practice
4. Methods valid & appropriate?
Yes
Comments:
The guide covers the broader issues relating to reprocessing of reusable surgical instruments and is useful for any staff who may be involved in any aspect of the decontamination life cycle.
5. Results / recommendations reliable?
Yes, backed up by further references to acts, regulations and legislation
6. Any major problems and biases?
It would be useful to have added URLs for easy access to the documents cited in the references.
7. Any other important / relevant studies which confirm or contradict?
1. The Decontamination of Surgical Instruments in the NHS in England Update Report: “A Step Change” (June2000)
http://www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidanceArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4113543&chk=lclkSf
1. National Decontamination Strategy for Modernising the Provision of Decontamination Services NHS Estates (2003) http://www.dh.gov.uk/assetRoot/04/12/02/35/04120235.pdf
2. Decontamination Review: report on a survey of current decontamination practices in healthcare premises in England (December 2001) NHS Estates http://www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidanceArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4120912&chk=lqhPNX
3. A Review of the decontamination of surgical instruments in the NHS in England (December 2001) http://www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidanceArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4120912&chk=lqhPNX
4. HSC 2000/032: Decontamination of Medical Devices Department of Health (2000) http://www.dh.gov.uk/PublicationsAndStatistics/LettersAndCirculars/HealthServiceCirculars/HealthServiceCircularsArticle/fs/en?CONTENT_ID=4002990&chk=sHEhLb
5. Sterilization, Disinfection and Cleaning of Medical Equipment: Guidance on Decontamination from the Microbiology Advisory Committee to Department of Health, Medical Devices Agency http://www.mhra.gov.uk/home/idcplg?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&useSecondary=true&ssDocName=CON007438&ssTargetNodeId=575
8. Keywords
decontamination reusable surgical instruments cleaning disinfection inspection sterilization
Reviewer's Details:
| Name: | Sue Wiseman |
| Post: | Nurse Consultant –Infection Control, DH |
Affiliations
(Society / Organisation / Advisory Committee): | Member Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens
Health Protection Adviser Royal College of Nursing P/T
Member Infection Control Nurses Association |
*** Note: These are the views of a professional expert rather than an official statement from his or her society, organisation or advisory committee.