CLICK HERE to receive alerts about pre-registration .
such as pseudomonas aeruginosa and other microorganisms , from surviving and thriving with resistant biofilm formation . All surfaces should be thoroughly dried with a clean , lint-free cloth or non-linting wipe before storage or use . Parts that are inaccessible or have lumens should be dried with pressure-regulated instrument air or HEPA-filtered air . A designated station or area to dry the probe or dilator is recommended .
HLD-processed probes or dilators should be visibly marked as “ clean ” or “ patient ready ” and then transported on a clean surface . Again , it is important to stress there is a certain way to transport probes with a cable or plug that has not undergone HLD , and those parts may be attached to a component that has undergone HLD . Again , the high-level disinfected probe portion of the equipment should be separated from the cable or plug by covering the probe with a visibly clean storage cover or using a containment system .
When storing the devices , avoid mixing contaminated items with cleaned , disinfected or sterilized items . Further , probes and dilators should be stored under environmentally controlled conditions , in a manner that protects them from contamination . TIR99 provides
recommendations for storage in accordance with the Spaulding classification . An accepted maximum storage time for HLD-processed ultrasound probes and dilators to be considered safe for patient use is not provided in the guidance document . Therefore , it is recommended that a multidisciplinary team be developed ( i . e ., sterile processing professionals , infection preventionists , risk management staff and other clinical personnel ). The team should conduct a risk assessment to determine the maximum storage time for an ultrasound probe or dilator before it is no longer safe for patient use . ANSI / AAMI ST91:2021 provides a list of considerations that should be reviewed in the risk assessment .
Documentation is another critical step in medical device processing , including for probes and dilators . Such documentation can be paper-based or automated ( digital ). Documenting all steps in the process provides information that the cycle parameters have been met , while also elevating accountability . Most importantly , documentation can be used to trace a device to a source of an infection and determine whether a recall is necessary — and the extent of a recall . Note : Every healthcare facility should have a policy and procedure for product recalls . For improved traceability , probes and dilators that have undergone HLD or sterilization should have the documentation linked to the associated patient record .
Quality assurance programs are embedded in all SP activities , and TIR99 provides recommendations for a quality assurance program for probes and dilators . More specifically , the guidance identifies performance measures and process monitors that can be used for continuous quality improvement ( CQI ) programs for the entire process . This includes a CQI matrix that describes the visual observations and fundamental process that selected personnel should perform as part of the quality improvement process within their areas . Performing a risk analysis is part of a quality assurance program . Risk analyses are performed to determine gaps in practices and processes that are harmful to patient safety .
• TIR99:2024 is available for purchase at www . aami . org ( under the “ store ” tab ).
Susan Klacik , BS , CRCST , FCS , CHL , CIS , AAMIf , serves as a clinical educator for the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association ( HSPA ).
COMING SUMMER 2024 A new way to educate on IP & C principles and practices .
Intrigued ?
CLICK HERE to receive alerts about pre-registration .