Instrument Processing Workflow
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  • INSTRUMENT PROCESSING WORKFLOW
    Instrument processing is a critical part of any infection prevention protocol. Even with a designated area for instrument processing, there’s a chance the workflow design may not be organized efficiently. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines recommend the inclusion of five critical steps.(1) Implementing these steps supports a smooth dirty-to-clean design for the standardized flow of instruments that helps prevent contamination and maximize efficiency.
    • PREPARATION + PACKAGING
    • RECEIVING + CLEANING
    • STERILIZATION
    • MONITORING/STERILITY ASSURANCE
    • STORAGE
  • STRAIGHT LINE
    The straight-line layout can help you create an efficient, standardized 5-step instrument processing workflow. The linear design creates a clear flow path from dirty to clean, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.
  • GALLEY
    The galley layout consists of workspaces on two opposing walls with a single traffic lane between. This arrangement allows for easy access and an efficient workflow. This design can help staff keep the process moving using a linear flow from dirty to clean while also keeping everything within reach.
  • U-SHAPED
    For facilities with a larger procedure volume, the instrument processing area must be large enough for the necessary equipment. The u-shaped workspace design provides ample space and surface areas, allowing more staff in the room while maintaining a clear flow from dirty to clean.
<p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><div class="col-lg-12"><div class="col-lg-4"><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://vimeo.com/404734072" target="_blank"><img src="/images/default-source/medical-img/midmark-clinical-solutions/play.png?sfvrsn=fb87b451_2" style="display:block;margin:0px auto;max-width:80px;" alt="" /></a> </div><div class="col-lg-8"><div style="margin-left:28px;"><p style="font-weight:bold;font-size:1.2em;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:'nexa_boldregular','Helvetica','Arial',sans-serif;color:#000000;">VIDEO</p><p style="font-size:14px;color:#000000;">5 Steps to Avoiding Cross-Contamination in Your IP Workflow</p><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://vimeo.com/404734072" class="cta" target="_blank">WATCH VIDEO</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p></div></div></div><div class="col-lg-12"><div class="col-lg-4"><a href="/docs/default-source/documents/mkt00458-infection-prevention-infographic-final.pdf?sfvrsn=a3809ad5_1" target="_blank"><img src="/images/default-source/medical-img/midmark-clinical-solutions/proof-point-icon-mcs.png?sfvrsn=7598a0aa_0" style="display:block;margin:0px auto;max-width:80px;" alt="" /></a> </div><div class="col-lg-8"><div style="margin-left:28px;"><p style="font-weight:bold;font-size:1.2em;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:'nexa_boldregular','Helvetica','Arial',sans-serif;color:#000000;">INFOGRAPHIC</p><p style="font-size:14px;color:#000000;">Taking a Holistic Approach to Protect Patients + Staff at the Point of Care </p><p><a href="/docs/default-source/documents/mkt00458-infection-prevention-infographic-final.pdf?sfvrsn=a3809ad5_1" style="margin-top:0px;" class="cta" target="_blank">VIEW INFOGRAPHIC</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p></div></div></div><div class="col-lg-12"><div class="col-lg-4"><a href="/docs/default-source/documents/038216_2020_mcd_white_paper_v3_final.pdf?sfvrsn=19794b57_1" target="_blank"><img src="/images/default-source/medical-img/midmark-clinical-solutions/proof-point-icon-mcs.png?sfvrsn=7598a0aa_0" style="display:block;margin:0px auto;max-width:80px;" alt="" /></a> </div><div class="col-lg-8"><div style="margin-left:28px;"><p style="font-weight:bold;font-size:1.2em;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:'nexa_boldregular','Helvetica','Arial',sans-serif;color:#000000;">WHITE PAPER</p><p style="font-size:14px;color:#000000;">Designing for Prevention: 3 Steps to Enhance Your IP Program </p><p><a href="/docs/default-source/documents/038216_2020_mcd_white_paper_v3_final.pdf?sfvrsn=19794b57_1" style="margin-top:0px;" class="cta" target="_blank">READ WHITE PAPER</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p></div></div></div><div class="col-lg-12"><div class="col-lg-4"><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" target="_blank" href="https://www.midmark.com/medical/resource-library/blog/an-in-depth-look-at-sterilization-monitoring" sfref=""><img src="/images/default-source/medical-img/midmark-clinical-solutions/proof-point-icon-mcs.png?sfvrsn=7598a0aa_0" style="display:block;margin:0px auto;max-width:80px;" alt="" /></a> </div><div class="col-lg-8"><div style="margin-left:28px;"><p style="font-weight:bold;font-size:1.2em;text-transform:uppercase;font-family:'nexa_boldregular','Helvetica','Arial',sans-serif;color:#000000;">BLOG</p><p style="font-size:14px;color:#000000;">An In-Depth Look at Sterilization Monitoring (Instrument Processing) </p><p><a data-sf-ec-immutable="" href="https://www.midmark.com/medical/resource-library/blog/an-in-depth-look-at-sterilization-monitoring" style="margin-top:0px;" class="cta" target="_blank" sfref="">READ BLOG</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p></div></div></div><p><sub><sup>1 https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/disinfection/sterilization/sterilizing-practices.html</sup></sub></p>
  • RECEIVING + CLEANING
  • PREPARATION + PACKAGING
  • STERILIZATION
  • MONITORING/STERILITY ASSURANCE
  • STORAGE
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Cleaned, dried instruments and other supplies should be inspected for residual debris and damage, assembled into sets or trays, and wrapped or packaged for sterilization.

Reusable instruments, supplies and equipment should be received, cleaned and disinfected in one section of the processing environment.

The sterilization area should include the sterilizer and related supplies with adequate space for loading and unloading the sterilizer. Follow the instructions for use (IFU) on cleaning and sterilizing for each instrument.

Mechanical, chemical and biological monitoring should be used to ensure the efficacy of the sterilization process. Results of sterilization need to be recorded.

The storage area should be adequately sized, closed or covered, and located apart from contaminated instruments in an area protected from moisture. Supplies and instruments should not be stored under the sink.