The Principles of Medical Device Decontamination

Terminology and Definitions

Medical device designated or intended by the manufacturer as suitable for processing and reuse.

Reusable Medical Device (RMD)

Removing process residues through displacement by, and dilution with, water.

Rinsing

Document specifying the properties of a substance, its potential hazardous effects for humans and the environment, and the precautions necessary to handle and dispose of the substance safely. Operating cycle intended to disinfect all liquid transport systems’ piping, chamber(s), tanks, and other components which come into contact with the water and/or solutions used for cleaning, disinfecting, and rinsing the load. A medical device which is intended to be used on an individual patient during a single procedure and then discarded. It is not intended to be re- processed and used on another patient. The labelling identifies the device as disposable and not intended to be reprocessed and used again.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

Self-disinfection cycle

Single-use medical device

Natural or artificial contamination on a device or surface following its use or simulated use.

Soil

A chemical agent, which under defined conditions is capable of killing bacterial and fungal spores.

Sporicide

Chemical or combination of chemicals used to generate a sterilising agent.

Sterilant

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