Question

Cleaning and Disinfecting Surfaces and Equipment Reusable

equipment and surfaces that have been contaminated by blood or other potentially infectious materials need to be properly cleaned and disinfected before the equipment is put back into service or the area is reopened. Clean and disinfect surfaces and equipment as soon as possible after the incident occurs. Remember to wear appropriate PPE. If blood or other potentially infectious materials have spilled on the floor or another surface, prevent others from accessing the area. If the spill contains a sharp object (e.g., shards of broken glass), do not pick the object up with your hands. Instead, use tongs, a disposable scoop and scraper, or two pieces of cardboard to remove and dispose of the object. Wipe up or absorb the spill using absorbent towels or a solidifier (a fluid-absorbing powder). After wiping up the spill, flood the area with a freshly mixed disinfectant solution of approximately 1½ cups of bleach to 1 gallon of water (1 part bleach to 9 parts water, or about a 10 percent solution). When using a bleach solution, always ensure good ventilation and wear gloves and eye protection. Let the bleach solution stand on the surface for at least 10 minutes. Then use clean absorbent materials (such as paper towels) to wipe up the disinfectant solution and dry the area. Dispose of all materials used to clean up the blood spill in a labeled biohazard container. If a biohazard container is not available, place the soiled materials in a sealable plastic bag or a plastic container with a lid, seal the container and dispose of it properly.

Answer the following questions in your own words

QUESTION:

How do you clean or disinfect a surface or equipment used in an emergency?

Answer 1

There are 2 different types of methods for the sterilization and disinfection.

1)Physical methods

2)chemicalmethods

Physical methods

involve

-Heat

-Radiation

-Filtration

Chemical methods involve usage of different types of compounds for sterilisation and disinfection that can be used in emergency

Compounds used are:-

Methyl alcohol - used as spirit

Isopropyl alcohol - used as hand disinfectant

Ethyl alcohol- used to kill fungal spores in biosafety cabinets

Glutaraldehyde/cidex 2%- use for sterilization and disinfection of

1) anaesthetic equipment 2) cystoscope ,bronchoscope and endoscope

3) endotracheal tubes

Sodium hypochlorite-used for disinfection of infectious Hospital spills and Hospital floors

Ethylene oxide gas- used for sterilization of heat labile and moisture sensitive beddings ,blankets, rubber and plastic object and disposables,also heart lung machine ,respirators ,Dental Equipments