Decontamination

Decontamination, the first step of instrument processing, minimizes the risk of infections to any staff members--including doctors, nurses, cleaning, and housekeeping staff--who handle used instruments or other items that may be contaminated with potentially infectious fluids or tissues.

It is important for all staff to know how to decontaminate items, to know that they should place items in the decontamination bucket without splashing the solution, and to know that they should always rinse their gloves in a decontamination solution before removing them. If you supervise staff who should perform decontamination or if you make decisions regarding supplies, you should understand the importance of decontamination, know how to prepare solutions, and understand what the decontamination process involves.

The decontamination solution

To decontaminate items, use a 0.5% chlorine solution or a solution made from another acceptable disinfectant. (Because chlorine is usually the cheapest, most universally available disinfectant, this module will focus on the use of a 0.5% chlorine solution.)

A solution that is too weak (e.g., less than 0.5% active chlorine) may not adequately kill microorganisms during the recommended time for soaking. A solution that is too strong (e.g., more than 0.5% active chlorine) may increase the cost of supplies by using more bleach than necessary and may damage instruments, other items, and environmental surfaces.

How to make a 0.5%
chlorine disinfectant solution

Did you know...Chlorine is one of the oldest and most widely used compounds used as a disinfectant because:

• It is a proven and powerful killer of microorganisms
• It deodorizes
• It is not poisonous to humans in the concentrations in which it is used
• It leaves no poisonous residue
• It is colorless, easy to handle, and economical to use

Prepare a new chlorine solution at the beginning of each day or whenever the solution looks as though it needs to be changed (such as when it becomes heavily contaminated with blood or other body fluids or becomes cloudy).

Preventing contamination
of solutions...

Disinfectants are harsh chemicals that can damage tissues. Because of the potential for tissue damage, disinfectants should never be used on the skin or mucous membranes.

©2004 EngenderHealth