The website of the Clinical Services Journal

The process challenge: it looks clean, but is it?

Pawel de Sternberg Stojalowski MSc, BSc, MBA presents a case study which demonstrates the value of using process challenge devices designed to simulate cleaning of heavily soiled instruments in automated washers.

In one of the latest online posts from Beyond Clean, they wrote: “The most difficult thing in our industry is to constantly question the status quo – even when others around us seem not to notice. All members of the patient care team must feel empowered to raise a concern and stop the line – regardless of how long the issue has been at play.” I thought about the cleaning of surgical instruments from this quote’s perspective, and realised that the problem is not only about raising concern and stopping the line but identifying that the problem is there in the first place.

Process challenge devices (PCDs) for evaluation of cleaning processes are partially to blame because they promise to do part of the job for us. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a tool that tells you that your instruments are clean without rigorously inspecting every single instrument for contamination? A great idea indeed, but there is a caveat. All PCDs for cleaning evaluation aim to represent contamination on instruments – the question is how well do they do it and what is lost in translation?

Process assessment

Log in or register FREE to read the rest

This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text. If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
Register

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

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

Step Communications Ltd, Step House, North Farm Road, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3DR
Tel: 01892 779999
www.step-communications.com
© 2024 Step Communications Ltd. Registered in England. Registration Number 3893025