PREPARATION & PROCESS ANALYSIS CLEANING & DISINFECTION STERILISATION STORAGE

PHASE 1: PREPARATION PHASE 2: PHASE 3: PHASE 4: PHASE 5: PHASE 6:

(STILL IN SURGERY)
Remain in PPE from surgery (refer to
Is a washer disinfector to be used?
PPE protocol)
Sort instruments tray contents
PROCESS ANALYSIS MANUAL CLEANING
Perform hand hygiene prior to
donning PPE
illuminated magnifier. Are instruments clean,
Apply PPE – refer to PPE protocol
NO Submerge the instruments with a measured amount
of water. Water temperature should be as required
for the detergent used, but below 45’C
INSPECTION STERILISER INSPECT AND STORE
Ensure that all housekeeping and safety Perform hand hygiene prior to
Visually inspect all instruments under an checks have been carried out.
donning PPE
functional and in good condition?
Still donning PPE Apply PPE – refer to PPE protocol
Carefully open the steriliser door and remove the
YES NO Were the instruments be processed in a
trays. Note : trays and instruments may be very hot
vacuum cycle? – take appropriate precautions

Are they single use instruments or Add the amount of detergent for the Were the instruments processed via a
Is an ultrasonic cleaner to be used? Are instruments blunt, YES NO
consumables? correct concentration bent, damaged or giving vacuum cycle?
Use a thermometer to monitor the signs of pitting or other
process temperature corrosion? Dry using a non linting cloth YES NO
YES NO
NO
dispose continue Clean the fully submerged instruments using Check pouch integrity;
NO re- Place instruments/sets in Dry using non-
long handle brushes with soft plastic bristles YES processing date and initial – one
linting cloth
approved sterilisation pouches year expiry
discard required. Go to
Place instruments in lidded lockable Drain any excess cleaning solution prior Phase 2
Go to Phase 3 Manual Cleaning Place on steriliser trays as specified by the Move to clean
container to rinsing steriliser manufacturer storage area
Are any further cleaning processes to Lubricate any relevant items prior to
If decontamination is not going to be sterilization with a non-oil-based lubricant Load trays into the steriliser as specified by the steriliser Are the instruments to be used during
be carried out? certified for use on the instruments and manufacturer, close and secure the door and select correct cycle the same day?
carried out immediately, cover
instruments with wetting agent/foam compatible with a sterilization process
NO Remove PPE – refer to PPE protocol Dispose
YES NO
as Clinical Waste
Remove PPE – refer to PPE protocol Fill rinsing sink with enough satisfactory potable Go immediately to Phase 5 Steriliser Take to surgery and place
(drinkable) water to cover instruments and rinse Perform hand hygiene in covered trays or drawers

Go to Phase 4 Inspection Once cycle is complete, verify cycle parameters and Are the instruments to be used within one
Dispose of as clinical waste complete logbook record week?

Are cleaning brushes reusable? YES NO

Did cycle pass?
Move instruments to Phase 2
Process Analysis YES Store in clean Pouch instruments,
YES NO non clinical area date and initial, one
on lidded tray or year expiry date
Complete logbook, record covered drawer Move to clean
Go to Phase 6 for up to one
Inspect & Store storage area
week.
Wash and store dry, with the head up Refer to sterilizer manufacturer instructions.
Remove PPE – refer to
PPE protocol. Dispose
Do not use instruments without fully of as clinical waste
reprocessing
Remove PPE – refer to PPE protocol for
Perform hand
manual cleaning hygiene.