CSSD QI
Quality Improvement Project
The aim of the QI project within the CSSD
department is "To Improve instrument cleaning
protocols within CSSD which will reduce the
amount of incidents of non-conformities by 50%"
CATEGORY OF INSTRUMENTS
Instrument Type Cleaning Instructions
Cannulated
e.g. Suction Tubes
Brush the lumen, process in ultrasonic, and attach
instrument to manifold on washer disinfector
Serrated /
Toothed
e.g. Artery Forceps, Allis or
Lanes Tissue Forceps
Brush teeth and joints, ensure instruments are open during
wash cycle in washer disinfector
Box/Screw Joints
e.g. Spencer Wells, Halstead
Mosquito, Crile Artery Forceps,
Scissors
Brush joints and ensure instruments are open during wash
cycle in washer disinfector
Ratchet/Rack
e.g. Norfolk & Norwich, Travers,
West, Retractors, Needle Holders
Brush joints and ensure instruments are open during wash
cycle in washer disinfector
Diathermy Forceps and Leads Soak in detergent for maximum of 5 mins, brush teeth with
hard bristled brush then process lead and diathermy in
washer disinfector
Basic
e.g. Laganbeck Retractors, Bone
Levers, Curettes
Soak in detergent and process in washer disinfector
Hollowware
e.g. Stainless Steel Bowls, Kidney
Dishes, Gallipots
Soak in detergent remove gross soiling and place inverted
on appropriate rack for washer disinfector
All instruments should be cleaned as soon as possible after use as prolonged exposure to saline solutions such
as blood can lead to pitting corrosion. Do not overload wash baskets!