A popular baby shower gift is the rubber ducky with a built-in temperature indicator. But do we have a comparable device to monitor temperatures for manual cleaning in sterile processing? As it turns out, maintaining the correct temperature during manual cleaning is critical, and using proper temperature monitoring tools is essential for compliance and efficiency.
The Importance of Temperature in Cleaning
Some hospitals receive an unpleasant surprise when cited for failing to meet chemical instructions for use. This often happens because the cleaning water isn't heated to the minimum required temperatures specified by the detergent manufacturer. Most detergents, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic, require a minimum temperature to activate and specify preferred temperatures on their labels. To ensure compliance and effective cleaning, consider the following measures:
Surgical soils, particularly blood, present a significant challenge for temperature monitoring. If instruments with residual blood are placed into sinks or ultrasonic cleaners with solutions near 120 degrees F (50 degrees C), this will denature or "cook" the proteins, like how egg whites turn white when cooked. The blood soil then sticks and adheres more tightly, leading to cleaning failures.
While technicians can usually notice higher temperatures during manual cleaning in sinks, the problem can be hidden in ultrasonic cleaning tanks. The cleaning solution in these tanks can gradually overheat with repeated cycles, making temperature monitoring even more crucial. This is why it's important to monitor water temperatures in ultrasonic cleaners and change the cleaning solutions frequently.
Recommended Temperature Range for ProEZ AW Quad
ProEZ AW Quad is a uniquely formulated multi-enzymatic detergent with expanded temperature capabilities. Here's a quick guide on its recommended usage:
The Importance of Temperature in Cleaning
Some hospitals receive an unpleasant surprise when cited for failing to meet chemical instructions for use. This often happens because the cleaning water isn't heated to the minimum required temperatures specified by the detergent manufacturer. Most detergents, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic, require a minimum temperature to activate and specify preferred temperatures on their labels. To ensure compliance and effective cleaning, consider the following measures:
- Thermometers and Sink Wall Stickers: Use these to constantly monitor water temperatures.
- Laminated Wall Charts: Post temperature and dosing instructions for all cleaning chemicals.
- Training and Demonstration: Ensure all technicians receive proper training and can demonstrate understanding. Every technician should be able to state the correct temperature and dosing for the chemicals in use.
Surgical soils, particularly blood, present a significant challenge for temperature monitoring. If instruments with residual blood are placed into sinks or ultrasonic cleaners with solutions near 120 degrees F (50 degrees C), this will denature or "cook" the proteins, like how egg whites turn white when cooked. The blood soil then sticks and adheres more tightly, leading to cleaning failures.
While technicians can usually notice higher temperatures during manual cleaning in sinks, the problem can be hidden in ultrasonic cleaning tanks. The cleaning solution in these tanks can gradually overheat with repeated cycles, making temperature monitoring even more crucial. This is why it's important to monitor water temperatures in ultrasonic cleaners and change the cleaning solutions frequently.
Recommended Temperature Range for ProEZ AW Quad
ProEZ AW Quad is a uniquely formulated multi-enzymatic detergent with expanded temperature capabilities. Here's a quick guide on its recommended usage:
- Manual Use: For pre-soak pans, flushing cannulated items, and manual sink scrubbing, dilute ProEZ AW Quad with water at a minimum of 68-110°F (20-43°C). In warm water, ProEZ AW Quad works in as little as 1 minute, making it the fastest acting enzymatic detergent on the market.
- Automated Cleaning Equipment: For ultrasonic instrument cleaning equipment and automated endoscopic reprocessors (AERs), set the temperature from 90-120°F (32-49°C). The diluted cleaning solution should be changed more frequently when used at higher temperatures.
- Automated Washers: ProEZ AW Quad is effective for the enzyme or pre-wash cycle at 90-120°F (32-49°C) and provides effective cleaning in the main wash cycle up to 150°F (65°C).
- Storage Conditions: Store concentrated products according to label recommendations, avoiding proximity to heat-generating equipment and continuous storage conditions of 86°F (27°C) or higher.
- Pre-Rinse with Cool Water: Blood soil should be rinsed off instruments using cool water below 90°F (32°C) before using processes or cleaning equipment operating at 120°F (49°C) or higher. High heat will coagulate and fixate blood to instruments, preventing full cleaning.
Maintaining the correct temperature during manual cleaning in sterile processing is essential for compliance and effective cleaning. By using the right tools and adhering to recommended practices, you can ensure that your cleaning processes are both efficient and thorough, keeping your instruments in optimal condition for patient care.
See the full ine of MicroCare Medical Infection Prevention Fluids here.