Pre-cleaning is the initial removal of visible contamination, such as organic and inorganic material, from reusable medical devices before further processing.
Understanding Pre-Cleaning
Pre-cleaning is a critical first step in reprocessing reusable medical devices. Its primary goal is to remove gross soil, including blood, tissue, and other debris, that can interfere with subsequent cleaning and sterilization processes. This process typically occurs immediately after the device is used and before it dries.
Methods of Pre-Cleaning
Pre-cleaning is commonly performed manually using the following:
- Sterile Water: Rinsing with sterile water helps to remove loose debris.
- Water with FDA-Approved Detergent: Using water mixed with a detergent approved by the FDA aids in breaking down and removing organic matter.
- Enzymatic Products: These are available as liquids or sprays and have a neutral pH (7 or lower). They contain enzymes that break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, facilitating their removal.
Importance of Pre-Cleaning
Effective pre-cleaning is crucial because:
- It reduces the bioburden (number of microorganisms) on the device.
- It prevents soil from drying and becoming more difficult to remove.
- It protects healthcare workers handling the devices from exposure to potentially infectious materials.
- It ensures that subsequent cleaning and sterilization processes are effective.
Pre-Cleaning vs. Other Cleaning Stages
It's important to distinguish pre-cleaning from other stages of device reprocessing:
- Pre-Cleaning: The initial removal of visible soil immediately after use.
- Cleaning: A more thorough process using specialized equipment and chemicals to remove remaining soil and reduce bioburden.
- Disinfection/Sterilization: Processes to kill or remove all remaining microorganisms.
By effectively removing gross contamination early on, pre-cleaning significantly enhances the effectiveness of subsequent cleaning and sterilization steps, ultimately contributing to patient safety.
