sterile processing
sterile processing
By David Taylor III , MSN , RN , CNOR
Clean the Chamber Drain Strainer to Aid Autoclave Performance
Three factors are critical for steam sterilization to be effective : time , temperature and steam quality . To ensure all three factors are met , the conditioning phase , exposure phase and exhaust phase must occur .”
Steam autoclaves are designed to use high pressure and high-temperature steam to kill microorganisms . For the steam autoclave to be effective , the materials to be sterilized must be saturated with steam . If there isn ’ t enough steam , or air pockets exist , effective sterilization will not occur . Despite being some of the most dependable systems available for sterile processing , autoclaves can create significant problems if they are not inspected , cleaned and maintained properly .
Three factors are critical for steam sterilization to be effective : time , temperature and steam quality . To ensure all three factors are met , the conditioning phase , exposure phase and exhaust phase must occur . Air inhibits sterilization and must be removed from the chamber in the first phase of sterilization , known as the conditioning phase . In a dynamic air removal-type steam sterilizer , air is generally removed from the chamber using a vacuum system . It can also be removed using a series of steam flushes and pressure pulses . In gravity-type sterilizers , steam displaces the air in the chamber and forces the air down the sterilizer drain .
Once all air is removed , the sterilizers drain closes , and steam enters the chamber , rapidly raising the temperature and pressure ( this is the exposure phase ). Finally , in the exhausting phase , the drain opens , and steam is removed , depressurizing the chamber and allowing the items to dry . For all the phases to be effective , the autoclave must function properly . Before operating the autoclave , daily maintenance should be performed . A critical step is checking the drain screen at the bottom of the chamber and ensuring it isn ’ t blocked with debris . If the sieve is blocked , a layer of air may form within the autoclave and prevent efficient operation .
Further , a clogged drain strainer can block the sterilizer ’ s drain line , slowing the exhaust steam . If left untreated , it may become completely blocked , preventing the autoclave from exhausting completely and preventing users from safely opening the chamber door .
How to clean the chamber drain strainer
The drain strainer should be cleaned daily , and it ’ s a process that should only take a few minutes to complete . It is important to perform this task on all sterilizers , regardless of their location ( e . g ., operating room and other procedural areas ). Follows these steps :
●Locate the chamber drain strainer . In most cases , it is located at the bottom ( front center ) of the autoclave chamber . With older autoclave models , the strainer may be in the center or rear of the chamber .
●Remove any shelving units , racks or trays , if needed , to access the strainer .
●Wear appropriate personal protective equipment ( PPE ). This could include an autoclave glove to prevent burns . Keep in mind , however , that if the screen needs more attention , eye protection and a gown may be necessary .
●Removal of the strainer may differ depending on the age of the unit and its manufacturer . Some units will allow users to simply lift the strainer from its slot . Others may require unscrewing the strainer with an adjustable wrench . If the strainer cannot be easily removed , ask for assistance from the Biomedical team .
●Once the strainer is removed , inspect it closely for damage .
●Wipe loose debris from the strainer using a non-linting cleaning cloth . Strainers with excessive debris may require brushing with a heavy-bristled brush .
●Reinstall the strainer to its proper location and replace any shelving , racks or trays .
For strainers with excessive debris , such as calcium deposits , more thorough cleaning may be necessary . In this case , steps may include flipping the strainer upside down and gently tapping it against a hard surface . For even more stubborn debris , rinsing the strainer underwater may be necessary , along with using a small tool to carefully extract the material . For strainers that have not been cleaned for some time and have significant calcium or debris buildup , soaking the strainer in an approved solution to loosen the debris may be necessary ( check the instructions for use or ask the manufacturer for assistance ). Strainers can also be placed into the ultrasonic ; however , avoid missing metal types when performing this step . Then , reinstall the strainer to its proper location , along with any shelving , tracks or racks . If the strainer is broken , it should be replaced immediately to prevent damage to the autoclave .
In conclusion , sterilization process failures are the result of a series of events . Something as simple as checking the drain screen strainer is an often overlooked or mismanaged step . Investing just minutes a day can save the facility significant frustration , rework and money .
David Taylor III , MSN , RN , CNOR , has served as a contributing author for the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association ( HSPA ) since 2019 . He is an independent hospital and ambulatory surgery center consultant and the principal of Resolute Advisory Group LLC , in San Antonio , Texas .
october 2024 • www . healthcarehygienemagazine . com •
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