Ideas That Work: Instructions For Use

Another reason to always read and follow IFUs: Some enzymatic detergents require that you test the water temperature before you clean instruments and devices in preparation for high-level disinfection or sterilization. Your reprocessing techs will skip this step if they don’t read the instructions for use (IFUs) — easy to do when the IFUs are attached to the lid of the detergent bottle and your techs tear the brochure off and discard it without reading. Several detergents print the IFUs directly on the plastic bottle (if the IFU notes a temperature range, it’s best to use a liquid thermometer). Be sure your techs document the temperature with each premix. If there’s no mention of optimum temperature, omit this step. Some IFUs will note that the detergent “works in all temperatures.”

Phenelle Segal, RN, CIC, FAPIC
Infection Control Consulting Services
Delray Beach, Fla.
[email protected]