The Principles of Medical Device Decontamination

Acquisition

Devices will be introduced into the organisation based on an identified need and its ability to decontaminate it in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions. An assessment should be undertaken and a justification declared to ensure only essential devices are brought into use. A process should be described and agreed by the medical devices committee. Most organisations will have an investment plan for new and replacement purchases which will feed into this process. Purchasing and leasing are the most common means by which devices are introduced, however there are options for loan and consignment (loan usually being a short term one off or similar and consignment being for longer term usually associated with a consumer deal). Where the organisation does not own the device it is essential to have a written agreement regarding ownership liability including planned preventative maintenance and testing. Each organisation should have an agreed Pre purchase questionnaire (PPQ) which is used to answer key questions relating to the management of devices including decontamination requirements. These questions cover internal capabilities as well as questions to suppliers/ manufacturers before a device is purchased. This includes details of recommended decontamination procedures and supports the decision making process, to buy or not to buy, and to ensure the recommended processes specified by suppliers/manufacturers are available within the organisation. The Institute of Decontamination Sciences (IDSc) website 9 contains a PPQ template which can be adapted for local use. This can be accessed once you are a member under the documents section titled ‘England—Advice’ Acquisition considerations need to include existing equipment and consumable requirements. What standards cover the type of device being considered and do the options meet them. Are there similar items currently in use and are there models which provide enhanced performance? Consideration should be given to a single provider or multiple ones? Are the suppliers financially sound and not likely to be affected by market forces and be available in years to come? A balance between a single supplier and too wide a supplier base needs to be considered.

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