The Principles of Medical Device Decontamination

together in support of producing decontamination related guidance (See also Chapter 5, Legislation, Standards and Guidance)

Training and Competency of Staff

It is an organisation’s responsibility to ensure all staff are trained and competent for all aspects of their work. Decontamination is a specialist area and requires an in-depth technical knowledge by all those involved.

In England, Criterion 2 of the Health and Social Care Act 2008: Code of Practice on the prevention and control of infections and related guidance 10 highlights a wide range of responsibilities relating to cleaning and disinfection of environment, fixtures, fittings , medical devices , linen and staff training. There are equivalent statements made by all UK nations. (see also Chapter 12)

Shelf Life of Medical Devices

All packaged medical devices will be given a shelf life or expiry date. The responsibility for determining the expiry date is with the manufacturer. It is worth noting that the sterility of a packaged device is EVENT RELATED, therefore, if the packaging is compromised for any reason, the device expiry date becomes irrelevant. If packaging is damaged. then in the case of a reusable device, it should be reprocessed, and if a single use device, then it should be disposed of. The expiry date can be based on the packaging or the device itself. An example of this might be a material used in device construction that will deteriorate over time whilst the packaging will maintain sterility for many months or years, if stored and handled correctly. In these instances, the shelf life should be determined by whichever is the shorter period of time. The expiry date must be shown on the device packaging and for commercially produced devices, is usually shown with the symbol of an hourglass. The date of manufacture is depicted by an image of a factory. (see labelling symbols)

25

@ 2025 Central Sterilising Club. All rights reserved. Do Not duplicate