The website of the Clinical Services Journal

Optimising testing for washer disinfectors

David Woods BSc (Hons) provides an insight into the various test methods available for washer disinfectors to ensure the quality of reprocessing activities.

Choosing the right test method for a washerdisinfector is not a straight-forward task. The user can be presented with a range of test kits from multiple manufacturers and laboratory methods can vary depending on which guidance or version is followed. Tests on water quality can have big implications and are critical to ensuring the process remains safe and effective.

Testing allows the user to detect things that cannot be seen by eye: proteins, bacteria and chemical impurities. Making a decision may require the user to get information from the supplier or laboratory and seek the opinion of an AE(D). The decision involves knowledge of the science and guidance involved and pressures of cost and time may be a factor. With technologies rapidly evolving it is vital that the correct choices are made and the necessary information to make those choices is available to all parties involved.

Most of the time these technological advances are positive and can save vital time and money for the Trust, but how would a user know they are getting the same quality of test? This is a key consideration as any contamination, be it protein or microbial, needs be flagged up accurately and in a way that is compliant with the guidance. Historically, there have been several examples where a method of testing has become popular ‘in the field’, due to ease or cost, only to be found ineffective when guidance changes. 

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Upcoming Events

Central Sterilising Club - Annual Scientific Meeting 2024

Crowne Plaza at Gerrard’s Cross
15th April 2024 – 16th April 2024

DECON UK 2024

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
17th April 2024

Infection Prevention & Control

National Conference Centre, Birmingham
23rd - 24th April 2024

Theatres & Decontamination Conference 2024

Coventry Building Society Arena
16th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Birmingham

Millennium Point, Birmingham
18th May 2024

The AfPP Roadshow - Exeter

University of Exeter
22nd June 2024

Access the latest issue of Clinical Services Journal on your mobile device together with an archive of back issues.

Download the FREE Clinical Services Journal app from your device's App store

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