Time-dependent persistence of blood as a contaminant in medical device processing

Abstract

In order to ensure safe processing of medical equipment, it is mandatory to study all factors that may affect the results of cleaning. Previously, it has been shown that superficial blood residues are most difficult to clean when they have coagulated but not dried. The present study aimed to verify this finding in the joints of surgical forceps, using real instruments under realistic conditions. The persistence of blood in the joints of surgical forceps showed significant time-dependent differences within the first hours after contamination. This can have a noticeable impact on validation practices and cleaning processes in a central sterile services department.

Keywords: Blood residue; Drying blood; Holding time; Processing; Protein residue; Reprocessing; Standing time; Surgical instruments; Test methodology.