Educational Module: Cleaning and Disinfection of Medical Devices
Cleaning and disinfecting medical devices that are not disposable is part of everyday care. Learn how reusable medical equipment impacts pathogen transmission, and review the types of disinfectants used to prevent this transmission. The Spaulding Classification is used as a guide in this session as we apply knowledge into practice minimizing the risk of pathogen transfer.
At the end of this Skill Station, participants will be able to:
- Define the role of reusable medical equipment in pathogen transmission
- Review types of low- and intermediate-level disinfectants used in healthcare settings
- Introduce the Spaulding Classification as a guide for use of disinfection approaches relevant to reusable medical equipment
- Apply knowledge in practice to minimize risk associated with pathogen transmission and reusable medical equipment
The Kentucky Infection Prevention (KyIP) Training Center, located in Louisville, Kentucky, has developed the following content. As a collaborator with the CDC’s Project Firstline, KyIP Training Center is committed to providing cutting-edge and high-quality training and information on infection prevention and control. Through a range of formats, KyIP Training Center delivers educational resources tailored to the diverse learning preferences and needs of the healthcare workforce. The materials are designed to empower healthcare professionals by promoting critical thinking in infection control, incorporating adult learning principles, educational best practices, and the evidence-based scientific principles that inform them.
Pictured left to right: Laurel Robinson, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, Ruth Carrico, PhD, DNP, Kirsten Trudeau, MSN, APRN
This series was developed by Laurel Robinson, Ruth Carrico, and Kirsten Trudeau.
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Module Documents
Cleaning and Disinfecting Reusable Medical Equipment Educational Packet
This comprehensive packet gives an in depth background on cleaning and disinfection, simulations, and debriefing discussions. This packet will guide you through a train-the-trainer approach for you to gain the knowledge necessary to train your staff on the importance of best practice on cleaning and disinfection.
View or download the Cleaning and Disinfection Reusable Medial Equipment Packet.
Environmental Cleaning and Disinfecting Presentation
Utilizing the correct environmental cleaning and disinfecting techniques in healthcare settings are directly related to the prevention of infection. This presentation guides the learner through identification of disinfectants, effective techniques and frequencies, and provides tools and resources to monitor and evaluate cleaning and disinfection efforts.
View or download the presentation slide deck.
On-demand version of this presentation, including presenter voiceover, is available for continuing education credit.
Cleaning and Disinfection of Reusable Medical Equipment
This presentation guides you through the cleaning and disinfection module from background information to simulation, as well as debriefing. This guided presentation contains multiple media assets that can be used for cleaning and disinfection education.
View or download the presentation slide deck.
On-demand version of this presentation, including presenter voiceover, is available for continuing education credit.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Video Series
Cleaning and Disinfecting a Surface
Effectively cleaning and disinfecting a surface requires mechanical friction and ensuring the germicide comes into contact with the entire surface for the specified amount of time (contact time). Visualize these actions in motion as germs are either eliminated or left behind in this simulated experience.
Improper Hand Hygiene
Working in healthcare is demanding. Time is often stretched thin which sometimes leads us to be complacent. Watch as this healthcare worker misses a key opportunity for hand hygiene and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) upon entering a patient’s room. The germs left behind can easily make another person ill.
Cleaning and Disinfection of Medical Equipment
Germs on medical equipment are not visible to the naked eye, but what if they were? In this video, see how visual germs require the use of multiple disinfectant wipes to adequately clean the equipment. A simple turmeric paste fluoresces on the wipes until completely removed.