The Principles of Medical Device Decontamination

medical devices. • All professional users and contractors are trained in the safe operation of medical devices. • All end users are given appropriate training in the safe and effective use of medical devices. • Staff and contractors involved in providing maintenance, repairs and decontamination are adequately trained and appropriately qualified. • Independent contractors using medical devices have appropriate risk management systems in place.

Decontamination of Devices

Healthcare organisations should ensure reusable medical devices are properly decontaminated prior to use, after use and before any maintenance is carried out to keep all those who come into contact with these devices safe. Having written policies and procedures in place is essential in describing how devices should be decontaminated in accordance with manufacturers IFUs. The following Table 3.1 is an amalgamation of clinical risk and the Spaulding classification ii .

ii Spaulding’s Classification was first published in 1957 and continues to be referred to for defining disinfection and sterilisation of contaminated reusable medical devices. There has been recent evidence that is likely to inform the future evolution of this classification.

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