There is currently much debate over the scientific evidence and associated risk factors related to decontamination of surgical instruments, in respect of their transport conditions – the question under discussion is: 'should they be transported wet or dry?'
Unfortunately there is no official guidance as yet. However, PESKETT SOLUTIONS points out that when surgical instruments are left over night or over the weekend, before they are reprocessed, contaminated soil can dry on the instruments making it more difficult to remove. This is especially evident in the lumen of cannulated instruments. The salt content of the contaminated soil may also corrode the instruments. To prevent this Ruhof has developed two specific products – both containing rust inhibitors to prevent corrosion during the period that the surgical instruments are keep moist.
Prepzyme is ideal for keeping soiled instruments, scopes and biopsy forceps moist, preventing contaminated soil from adhering to the surface. The multi-tiered enzymatic foaming spray covers the instruments and begins breaking down blood, fat, protein and carbohydrates while waiting to be returned to the decontamination area of the Sterile Services Department for reprocessing.
Prepzyme XF is a specially designed aerosol foaming spray which covers the instruments and begins breaking down blood fat protein and carbohydrates. The adaptor allows the user to administer Prepzyme XF directly into the lumen of any cannulated instrument after use. Prepzyme XF will prevent the soil in the cannulated instrument from drying and starts the cleaning process immediately.
