Cleaning and disinfection have become a necessity in our society. Currently, it has become common to use the antibacterial gel every time we enter somewhere, besides sanitizing our footwear and even going through slightly more advanced disinfection methods.
We link the new normality to extensive health protocols, which seek to give us security and prevent contagion from Covid-19, as well as from any other virus that may affect our health. Now, if in our daily life we need extensive cleaning and grooming treatment, can we imagine how important the disinfection of sensitive materials and instruments is in the different health centers?
Need for cleaning in sanitary materials and hospitals
Since 1860, when Joseph Lister announced the importance of eliminating bacteria and other microorganisms from instruments and materials used in hospitals, the need for deep cleaning in the health sector has been clear. However, to really avoid infections and diseases, cleaning should not only focus on materials, it is also necessary to know the different levels of contamination that hospitals have. This with the purpose of caring for patients and placing people who require a higher level of disinfection in the correct area.
Hospitals are divided into the following risk zones:
Low risk zone: These are the spaces designated for consulting rooms and for the movement of people or employees in general.
Medium risk zone: In this classification are the hospitalization rooms, where the health control must be much greater to avoid infections that can complicate any procedure.
High-risk area: Here are the surgical blocks, which are areas where cleanliness and grooming is essential for surgeries to be carried out correctly and to avoid any infection that could mean a major complication for the patient. There is also the resuscitation unit, sterilization, and burn unit, among others.
It is essential that the cleaning procedures and methods of the different areas of a health center. Same with furniture and surfaces, common task of cleaning experts, who will be supported by the cleaning staff of the health institutions. . This collaboration is essential to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene that these types of places require. Avoid any type of unnecessary dirt, and promote the correct collection of waste and hazardous materials, among other benefits.
Main cleaning methods in health centers
In this article, there are three different cleaning methods. We carried each one of them out according to the recommendations of the manufacturers of each instrument and the compatibility with these hygiene processes.
Automatic cleaning
It is a cleaning system that is used whenever there is no contraindication. Use specialized washing machines. We carry out a washing process very similar to the system used by dishwashers found in any home. We carried it out in a chamber made of stainless steel, with easily adjustable trays. A water sprinkling system that we can adjust easily. These elements throw pressurized water on the instruments for disinfection.
Ultrasonic cleaning
For this procedure, we use ultrasonic cleaners, which comprise a generator that emits this type of ultrasound. We placed grids where the instruments that need disinfection. A container filled with water and a protective cover.
Automatic washing is not always possible, since the instruments are in areas that are hard to clean. Some are so small that it is impossible to include them in the previous procedure. Others do not withstand such high temperatures. In these cases, ultrasonic cleaning is the most appropriate option. We use this method before doing an automatic cleaning.
It is a method that involves a specific mechanical action. Which comes from the vibration caused by the ultrasonic cleaner in water. These high-frequency waves create instantaneous micro-bubbles within the liquid, which cause the particles that make up the dirt to vibrate and detach from the materials to be disinfected.
Hand cleaning
We recommend only this method if it is the only possible option for cleaning instruments. Mainly because of the high risk of cuts and a large amount of organic matter that can compromise the instruments. We use this option in thermosensitive materials, such as flexible endoscopes. Same with any type of instrument that we need.
This process involves the use of sponges, brushes, enzymatic detergents, and warm water. Besides, use a drying cloth that does not leave any residue on the instruments or with pressurized air. To minimize the risk when washing the materials. It is mandatory to follow universal precautions, besides using the recommended personal protective equipment.
At SCS Group we know that in order to meet work goals and objectives, it is necessary to maintain adequate cleaning of the spaces. We are highly trained professionals with over 24 years of experience. In addition, we are part of the ranking of the 3 best companies dedicated to cleaning in Australia. We adapt to the requirements that different industries may have. Quote today on this website! With us, you will have clean spaces and well-being for everyone.
