Notes

Cleaning Equipment
Cleaning is the lowest level of medical asepsis. In addition to being used on people, the cleaning process is also used on equipment. To clean objects or equipment, health care workers may use soap, water, and scrub brushes. Some health care facilities use ultrasonic units for cleaning. An ultrasonic unit uses sound waves and cleaning solution to clean dirt and residue from items. Neither method is effective against viruses or spores. Therefore, the cleaning process is often followed by disinfection or sterilization.

Procedure for Cleaning Equipment
Follow these steps to clean an item. Individual agencies may have specific procedures that their employees must follow. The following process is an example of a cleaning procedure that might be found at any agency.replay
-Cleanse your hands and put on utility gloves. Utility gloves are thick gloves and will protect hands from being contaminated or cut by a sharp item.
-Rinse equipment in cool water.
-Soak the equipment in warm, soapy water for about 20 minutes.
-Use a cleaning brush to scrub the equipment thoroughly. If the equipment is hinged, be sure to open the hinge and scrub in all crevices.
-Rinse the equipment in warm water. Be sure that no soap or residue remains on the equipment.replay
-Dry the equipment with a clean paper towel, and store it in the appropriate place.replay