Key words: degradation, re-use, tech support, research
Some devices are made for single use but are being re-used. Other devices are designated as reusable. In either case, the used devices, such as endoscopes, must be cleaned before they can be sterilized for safe use in a second patient. Cleaning protocols were evaluated to remove bacterial bio-film from surfaces. It was evident that detergent with enzymes and Clorox were excellent cleaning agents. Other agents were not effective. The use of fixatives such as formalin made the bio-film strongly adherent to the surface and only Clorox would remove the bio-film. The cleaning rules clearly indicated: don't let the device dry before cleaning, don't use a fixative, and detergents with enzymes are effective. The use of Clorox on devices will both clean the bio-film and inactivate blood borne viruses and therefore is a recommended first step in the cleaning of devices that had been in contact with body fluids.