1. Recycling and Classification: Recycling is the starting point of the sterilization supply process. Medical devices are collected in a closed system using dedicated tools, routes, personnel, and vehicles to the sterilization supply room. After recycling, devices are classified according to their material, structure, precision, and degree of contamination to select appropriate cleaning and sterilization methods.
2. Cleaning and Sterilization: Quality cleaning is a prerequisite for successful sterilization. Cleaning methods include manual and mechanical cleaning. Common sterilization methods include moist heat sterilization and chemical sterilization. The precise operation of sterilization equipment, the correct preparation and use of disinfectants, and strict control of sterilization time all directly affect the sterilization effect.
3. Drying: Devices often retain moisture after cleaning and sterilization. If not dried promptly, this moisture can become a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to recontamination and affecting subsequent packaging and sterilization. Medical drying cabinets and pressure air guns are typically used for drying, avoiding natural drying.
4. Inspection and Maintenance: After drying, devices undergo rigorous inspection and maintenance, with cleaning quality checks and functional quality checks being particularly important. After cleaning, the surfaces of instruments and their joints should be smooth, free of bloodstains, dirt, scale, rust, and other residues. All instruments should function properly. Metal instruments should be maintained using medical lubricant.
Packaging: The primary purpose of packaging is to prevent microbial contamination of instruments during storage and transportation. Packaging steps include assembly, packaging, sealing, and labeling. Labeling is crucial; key information such as the item name, the name or code of the person inspecting the packaging, the sterilizer number, the sterilization batch, the sterilization date, and the expiration date must be recorded accurately and traceably.
Sterilization: Sterilization is key to ensuring the safe use of medical devices and eliminating the risk of hospital-acquired infections. It can be divided into physical sterilization and chemical sterilization. The appropriate sterilization method should be selected based on the material of the instrument. Pressure steam sterilization is widely used for most high-temperature and heat-resistant instruments due to its reliable effectiveness and low cost.
To ensure the quality control of instrument care, the state has established a series of standards, such as the cleaning quality standards for medical devices and the disinfection and sterilization effectiveness monitoring standards. The sterilization supply room should establish a comprehensive quality control system based on these standards and apply it to daily operations.
Medical device quality control is closely linked to patient safety. Strict quality control can effectively reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired infections and improve the quality of medical care. For patients, using qualified medical devices can reduce the risk of infection and promote physical recovery.
