The Principles of Medical Device Decontamination

Many considerations must be made when going through a medical device acquisition process and the number and detail of these will depend on the complexity of the devices to be purchased. For example, • Will servicing and maintenance be included in any purchase deal? • How expensive are consumables for the device? • If the device has been on the market for some time; how long will it be before a new model is available? • how long will support be offered by the manufacturer? (spare parts and if electronic, upgrades to software)

Recommendations for receiving a new device

1. Check that the device matches the acquisition specification, is undamaged, is accompanied by all the necessary information and documentation, and that it is: a. appropriately configured

b. supplied with the appropriate accessories c. supplied with the appropriate consumables d. supplied with the appropriate instructions for use

2. Make sure that the appropriate acceptance checks and tests have been carried out in accordance with risk assessment and legal requirements. 3. Where required, medical devices have been appropriately installed. 4. Details of the device and the manufacturer’s instructions have been entered into the appropriate device monitoring and tracking systems, and entered on the organisations asset register. 5. Training needs have been identified and acted on. 6. For reusable devices, maintenance has been scheduled.

Recommendations for training

• There is an organisation-wide policy on training regarding the safe use of medical devices. • End users, carers, professional users or other staff are supported in attending training. • End users, carers, professional users or other staff are made aware of and, where necessary, trained in adverse incident reporting requirements for

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