Key Takeaways

NEW: The recently revised Guideline for Instrument Cleaning presents new recommendations to support instrument processing in the decontamination area.

RECOMMENDATION: Use a decontamination area that has adequate space and the equipment, utilities, and supplies to support instrument processing as described in the instrument manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU).

EXPLANATION:

• A work environment that supports best practices has
  • manufacturers’ IFU that are readily available and in a format that users can read and understand; 
  • eyewash stations and a designated hand hygiene station(s); 
  • NEW multiple sinks that are
    • designated for soaking and cleaning, intermediate rinse, and final rinse;
    • large enough to accommodate instrument trays;
    • at an ergonomically correct height; and
    • marked at the water level needed for cleaning solution measurement;
  • storage space for PPE and cleaning supplies;
  • automated equipment (eg, washer-disinfector, ultrasonic cleaner) consistent with the types of instruments to be cleaned and decontaminated;
  • adaptors and accessories to connect instruments with cleaning equipment and utilities;
  • NEW utilities that support decontamination, drying, inspection, and documentation, including
    • access to critical water for rinsing instruments;
    • a pressure-regulated, instrument air supply;
    • electrical capacity to power all equipment at the same time;
    • data lines to support electronic equipment for documentation of processing steps; and
    • accessories and supplies specified in the manufacturers’ IFU for instruments to be processed.

For more information see the Guideline for Instrument Cleaning, Guidelines for Perioperative Practice, 2021

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Free Resources for Members

• Guideline Essentials: Get ready-to-use and customizable templates and tools for implementing the Instrument Cleaning Guideline.
• Clinical FAQs: Instrument Cleaning
• Webinar:
• Instrument Care and Cleaning: Guideline Updates 2021 Replay (1 CH)
• AORN Journal Articles:
• Guideline In Practice: Instrument Cleaning (1.5 CH)
• Instrument Manufacturing: Implications for Perioperative Teams (2.2 CH)