What exactly does this entail when it comes to the world of surgical instruments? The question that needs is whether or not there is a level of disinfection and sterilizing that is sufficient. As a corollary to this question, what are the potential risks associated with cross-contamination during re-processing? Switching single use instruments, wherever it is feasible is the most dependable form of preventative action that can be taken.
Improvements in Medical Technology
The world we live in is one that is rife with improvements in medical technology. We have been able to address and cure those ailments that are both lethal and disabling. Thanks to the invention of various pieces of equipment and tools, as well as treatment strategies. Our practitioners’ expertise and cutting-edge technology have been the driving forces behind our success. But the reality is that anything appears to be so trivial that it can be ignored may in fact be the root of more major issues.
The Need of Single Use Instruments
The beginning of the new year brought with it not just the promise of a new year filled with medical advancements.. Because it is immune to treatment with even the most cutting-edge antibiotics, it is referred to as a “superbug.” This became apparent during endoscopic procedures that were performed at a prominent hospitals. More than seven individuals at that facility have been proven to be infected with CRE so far this year, and two of them have died as a result of the condition. The bug was passed from one patient to another through the endoscopes by way of the fissures, which allowed the bug to survive the reprocessing operations.
Disinfection and Sterilization
There are specific steps to followe in order to properly disinfect your tools, as outlined in a guideline for disinfection and sterilization in healthcare facilities that was released in 2008. Steam sterilization is one of the most often used methods of preventing the spread of disease. At this point, the instruments used in surgery are subjected to high pressure and are sterilized by saturated steam. Portable versions of steam sterilization chambers are used in smaller clinics, whereas larger institutions employ larger steam sterilization chambers. Another kind of sterilization is called flash sterilization. It involves subjecting unwrapped items to high temperatures for around three to four minutes. This is helpful, but it is not recommended for implements that are designed to penetrate the human body.
Even while all of these offer some kind of sterilization, the effectiveness of that sterilization can change based on what kind of sterilization you apply.
Reduces the Risk of Spreading Infections
The tools that are used the most frequently, such as surgical scissor, forceps, are the ones that require the most careful reprocessing. This is due to the fact that intrusive equipment, like forceps, is inherently more prone to contamination by germs and superbugs. The same is true for other devices that are utilized frequently. Such as shears and clamps, which can be utilized for a variety of tasks but are typically utilized in the operating room for the purpose of working with bandages, fabric, or even sewing material. These and many other such behaviors provide a considerable risk of spreading an infection that cannot be cured.
Recommendation:
So the question is, what should the organization do? Instruments that are disposable after a single use considerably cut the number of biological incidents. The single-use devices that are produced in today’s world are light-years superior to anything that has ever been produced in the past. The robustness of the surgical grade steel that is utilized, the razor-sharpness of the cutting edges, and the ease with which the blade may open and close give the practitioner with everything that is required for providing superior treatment to patients. Additionally, the fact that the product is intended for a single use offers protection against the spread of cross-contamination.
In addition to the fact that the price of these instruments is far lower than the price of comparable reusable ones. It is also important to note that the institution will save money on the typically unnoticed cost of reprocessing.
