1305 - Low-level Disinfection - Standardizing Instructions for Use!

Session Description : This session will address a multidisciplinary organizational approach to low-level disinfection product standardization, methods, and responsibilities in light of manufacturers’ instructions for use.

When multiple low-level disinfection products are used throughout the organization, this creates confusion and opportunities for failures to effectively and adequately clean and disinfect solid surfaces, including medical equipment, devices, and supply. Our organization’s approach to standardization will be shared with the hopes that others may emulate the process.

Often during infection prevention rounding, observations reveal multiple methods and timing of low-level disinfection that occurs organization. The varying responses regarding practice set the organization up for failures resulting in improper cleaning and disinfection of an item. Our organization’s approach to addressing the various methods will be discussed, providing steps to attendees to repeat the same process in their respective organizations.

Unfortunately, when asking end-users who is responsible for the low-level disinfection of a surface, equipment, device, or supply, the answer is that someone else cleans that. However, when someone is asked about the same item, they answer that the original individual or service cleans that. Our organization is working to address this issue to identify written responsibilities for items requiring low-level disinfection.

Additionally, references and resources associated with expectations of regulatory and accrediting organizations will be provided, and attendees will be able to associate these with our systematic approach.