GasGasGas - The FRCA Primary Exam Podcast VivaCast 001 - Cleaning and Sterilisation
Dec 3, 2024
Dive into the world of medical sterilisation and cleaning! Explore the differences between cleaning and disinfection, with practical tips to tackle common equipment like endoscopes. Uncover the fascinating methods for sterilisation, including steam and gas techniques. Learn about the critical importance of pre-cleaning and the various risk levels associated with different medical devices. Plus, get insider advice on how to structure viva answers effectively for your exam challenges!
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Device Risk Determines Cleaning Level
- Medical devices are classified as critical, semi-critical, or non-critical based on the tissue they contact.
- Critical items need sterilisation, semi-critical need high-level disinfection, and non-critical need routine cleaning.
Always Clean Before Disinfection
- Always clean devices before disinfecting or sterilising to remove bio-burden.
- Use soap/surfactants first because contaminants block effective disinfection and sterilisation.
Multiple Routes To Sterility
- Sterilisation methods include steam, irradiation, and gas sterilants.
- Different methods suit different instruments depending on heat and material tolerance.