|
High pH:
Moist alkaline conditions dissolve dry proteins and cause fibrin to
break, similar to enzyme action.
Agitation: Physical agitation from water spray brings fresh cleaning
solution to the soiled are and washes away used-up detergent. Spray impulses loosen blood through physical impact.
Spray from different angles helps prevent blocking from instruments
piled atop one another.
What hinders the cleaning of blood from instruments?
Speed:
Hospitals that must turn instruments around quickly cannot rely on
simple water to do the job. Water
must be made more powerful through chemical assistance, enzyme, detergent,
high pH, temperature and physical assistance through spray agitation.
Each of these elements need time to work.
Initial Heat:
The denaturing action of heat on blood makes it insoluble enough to
interfere with rapid cleaning. Start
with a cool rinse.
Drying:
Dried blood and proteins are much more difficult to clean than
moist blood. Clean
instruments as soon as possible after surgery or keep moist, if possible,
while waiting.
Glutaraldehyde: Glutaraldehyde tends to denature proteins, making them more
insoluble.
Obstructions:
Closed hinges on instruments are much more difficult to clean.
Overloading causes blockage of |
