The Principles of Medical Device Decontamination

Some rust can be easily wiped off (sometimes called flash rust), whereas pitting corrosion is referred to as persistent rust, and is very difficult to remove. Detergents can be formulated with corrosion inhibitors to prevent this corrosion.

Choosing the best detergent for the challenge

Detergents should be chosen for the type of soil to be removed. Through a process of scientific studies and validation, a number of high-level conclusions can be drawn. Alkaline-based detergents are generally better at rendering surfaces non-infectious than enzymatic detergents. Alkaline and enzymatic detergents have been demonstrated to be effective at inactivating prions, the proteins associated with transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) More importantly, the precise formulation may have more of a bearing than whether the detergent is classified as alkaline or enzymatic.

The suitability of a given detergent formulation will depend upon the washer- disinfector cycle parameters, the type of washer-disinfector used, and the water quality at the point of use.

As well as choosing the correct surfactant, the other components formulated together collectively impart not only cleaning, but also allow the following:

a. Wetting of the surface. b. Sequestration. c. Chelation. d. Soil elevation.

They will also help prevent re-deposition of soil and limit corrosion. There is much more to a detergent than just a surfactant solution in water, and the correct formulation can make a difference of either enhancing its cleaning efficacy or lessening it and giving a detergent poor cleaning performance. Some components that may be added will contribute little, if at all, to cleaning efficacy, and may

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