Page 330 - Zoo Animal Learning and Training

314 Tasks for the Veterinary Assistant

completed. This will allow speedy attention to the fragile channel until it runs clear. Flush with tap water. Flush
equipment. Most clinics only have one endoscope; there- with alcohol to aid drying or use dry air under pressure
fore, it is imperative that it be kept clean and functional. (large clean, dry syringe).
The cleaning of the instrument immediately after a Clean the air/water valve. Disconnect the water bottle
procedure is especially important if multiple endos- from the umbilical cord. Place one finger on the air/water
copies are scheduled on the same day. inlet and one finger on the air/water valve. The light source
Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning pump will blow the residual water out of the channel.
and sanitizing. Failure to follow instructions can cause Clean the exterior of the insertion tube. Wash using a
an existing warranty to be null and void. gauze sponge soaked in soapy solution or enzymatic
Prepare a labeled bin like a household cleaning cleaner. Wipe soap off using a gauze sponge soaked in
supplies tote to contain materials for post‐procedure plain water. Wipe surface with a gauze sponge soaked in
instrument cleaning. Place the bin on a lower shelf of 70% alcohol.
the endoscope cart for immediate use after procedure Clean the handpiece. Use cotton‐tipped swabs
conclusion. Materials needed include squirt bottles, with soaked in alcohol to clean around the valves and knobs
proper secondary container labeling, containing the thoroughly.
following: Clean the accessory instruments. Soak the working
end of accessory instruments in soapy water or enzymatic
• Disinfectant soap solution or enzymatic cleanser as cleanser. Use a soft brush to clean serrations and hinges.
recommended by endoscope manufacturer.
• 70% alcohol. Soak wires attached to the working end of accessory
instruments, being careful not to bend or kink the wire.
• Hydrogen peroxide. Either cover the secondary Clean the suction bottle. Dump contents down the
container with light and waterproof tape or screw a drain, flushing with copious amounts of water. Fill the
squirt tip from another bottle onto the original bottle with soapy water. Swirl the contents to loosen
peroxide container as hydrogen peroxide debris. Pour out. Rinse with tap water until the water runs
deteriorates in the presence of light.
• Two large dog water dish sized, stainless steel bowls, if clear. Fill with disinfectant solution for designated contact
time as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Rinse with
there is running water available; if not, have a third tap water. Turn upside down on a rack to drain until dry.
bowl for clean tap water.
To sterilize an endoscope system, either of the follow-
• Non‐sterile cotton‐tipped applicator swabs in a large ing procedures may be used depending on the manufac-
Ziploc bag.
• 4 × 4 inch gauze sponges in a small Ziploc bag. turer’s recommendation.
• Large plastic syringe, 20–35 mL, no needle attached.
• Small bristle brush for cleaning accessory channel Gas Sterilization
and accessory instruments (available from
manufacturer of endoscope). Place the endoscope and accessory instruments in
• Roll each of plastic sterilization sleeve and individual plastic pouches. Insert a sterilization indicator
sterilization indicator tape that can be cut to length strip into each pouch, seal, and label. Place pouches in
for enclosing instruments and endoscope if the gas sterilizer. Use ethylene oxide gas sterilizer only.
sterilization is used. Indicator tape must be Follow the manufacturer’s directions for use of the gas
compatible with types of sterilization procedure used. sterilizer. Never exceed the endoscope manufacturer’s
Or glutaraldehyde solution or product of the temperature and humidity limits. Allow adequate time
manufacturer’s recommendation for cold sterilization after gas sterilization for the gas to dissipate: 7 days in a
if the endoscope is submersible. quarantined area at room conditions or 12–18 hours in
• PPE: Goggles, gloves, and waterproof apron. an aerator (failure to do so results in tissue damage when
next used).
Dissemble each piece of equipment according to the
manufacturer’s directions. Their recommendations take
precedence over any other suggestions. Cold (Liquid) Sterilization
Put 100–200 mL of cleaning solution (enzymatic
cleaner or diluted surgical soap) into one pan. Put Glutaraldehyde (2% Cidex) causes tissue irritation so all
diluted disinfectant solution in the second pan. Have tap channels and surfaces must be rinsed thoroughly with
water available either at a sink or in a third, large bowl. sterile water after sterilization. Follow the product manu-
Clean the working channel first. Using the syringe, facturer’s guidelines for contact time and dilution.
draw the cleaning solution through the working channel Never use a steam autoclave or hydrogen peroxide
until the solution exiting the channel is clear. The plasma gas on endoscopes.
cleaning brush is passed up and down through After the sterilization process, reassemble the parts.
the channel. Pass the disinfectant solution through the To store an endoscope and accessory equipment, use a