Page 20 - The Care and Handling of Flexible Scopes v3

Care of Flexible Endoscopes

18. Glossary

Aeration Method by which the EO which is absorbed by the instrument
during sterilisation is removed or reduced using warm air
circulation in an enclosed cabinet specifically designed for this
action.

Biofilm Composed of populations or communities of micro-organisms
adhering to environmental surfaces. These micro-organisms
are usually encased in a protective, slimy film, which is an
extracellular polysaccharide that is secreted by the micro-
organism community. With their protective covering, biofilms
are very difficult to clean, disinfect and sterilise. Biofilms may
be found on essentially any environmental surface in which
sufficient moisture is present.

Cleaning Removal of all organic material from objects using friction,
detergent and water. Cleaning must precede disinfection or
sterilisation.

Critical Item An instrument or object that is introduced directly into an area
of the human body is normally a sterile area, either into or in
contact with a cavity, organ or bloodstream. The opportunity
for infection to occur is considered critical and the instrument
or object must be terminally sterilised prior to introducing it
before introducing it to the human body or bloodstream.

Decontamination The process by which contaminants are removed, either by
hand cleaning or mechanical means, using specific solutions
capable of rendering blood and debris harmless and making
the items safe for subsequent handling by personnel who are
not wearing personal protective attire.

Detergent Water-soluble cleaning agent that contains surfactants that
lower the surface tension of water, making the surface of dirty
instruments “wetter”. Detergents can also contain enzymes
that attract or bind fats, oils and proteins. These soils are then
removed from the instrument by mechanical action or
agitation, which move the soils off from the surface of the
instruments. Detergents are less likely to form a film on the
instrument surface and are not as affected by minerals in the
water.

Disinfection A process that destroys most forms of micro-organisms on
inanimate surfaces.

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