STERILIZATION OF UTENSILS, BEDPANS AND OTHER ACCESSORIES

STERILAZATION: It is defined as the process of killing or removal of all microorganisms, including bacterial spores which are highly resistant.

Bedpans and urinals: 􀁹Non-sterile gloves should be worn to empty bedpans and their contents directly into the bedpan disinfector, or alternatively, put down the sluice or toilet. 􀁹Wash thoroughly with warm water using a brush and detergent to remove all visible signs of organic contamination. Dry. 􀁹Methods for disinfection of bedpans (in order of preference)

BEDPAN WASHER DISINFECTOR

1. Dispose of bedpan contents and disinfection in a disinfector, which functions at no less than 80°C for one minute. 2. Wash in hot water and detergent. Dry. 3. Wash thoroughly to remove all visible contamination. Dry. Wipe over with 1% phenolic only if essential. Wipe again with wet paper towel. Dry. This is the least satisfactory method and is subject to much abuse. Do not soak bedpans or urinals in disinfectant. It is unnecessarily expensive and increases the risk of cross-infection with Gram negative bacilli, which are usually multiply antibiotic-resistant

Washing bowls - The sanitation of the dishes or washing bowls is carried out using dish washing machine. The dishes are rinsed with hot water and then washed with detergent solution with a pH range of 10-11at a temperature of 60-63degree Celsius and placed in utensil boiler. A low foaming detergent is used for sanitation of utensils. Towels, soaps, hairbrushes, shaving brushes etc. - all these items should be for individual use only and should never be shared. Crockery and cutlery - Each patient should have an individual set. the crockery and cutlery should be washed in very hot water (>60oC) and detergent. And sterilized in autoclave. Disposable crockery is only necessary in cases of strict isolation such as rabies.

Mattresses and pillows - they are a major source of cross-infection Mattresses and pillows - they are a major source of cross-infection. Contaminated mattresses should be washed with warm water and detergent. Steam under pressure is widely used for the disinfection and sterilization of mattresses. Steam at a pressure of 4-6 pounds and at a temperature of 104-110 degree Celsius for exposure periods of 5-6 hrs followed by drying by creating vacuum and then aerating for 15 mins is sufficient for disinfection of beddings. Mattresses should be covered with an impervious layer so that they can be cleaned thoroughly between patients. This may be followed by introduction of formaldehyde vapors in the chamber and keeping in contact for sometime . Ethylene oxide gas in the form of carboxide can also be used for cold disinfection of mattresses, beddings and clothing. Damaged mattresses should be discarded as they may easily trap microorganisms.

Thermometers - they should be washed in warm water and dried before being wiped over with a swab soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol. They should never be soaked in disinfectants. Trolley tops - they should be washed with warm water and detergent 

REFERENCE: HOSPITAL PHARMACY by H. P REFERENCE: HOSPITAL PHARMACY by H.P.Tipnis and Amrita Bajaj, pg 201-203