What are efficacy tests? The tests used to measure the effectiveness of disinfectants on various pathogenic (disease-causing) organisms are called efficacy tests . The EPA must pre- approve all “efficacy test methods” used to measure the effectiveness of disinfectants against specific microorganisms. The most common efficacy test prescribed by EPA is the Association of Official Analytical Chemist (AOAC) test. What factors affect how well a disinfectant works? There are six main factors: ● Concentration: This is dilution rate. Proper dilution is very important. Read label for complete dilution directions. ● Contact time: For disinfectants, such as bleach, contact time is very critical. ● pH: Certain disinfectants work best under acidic conditions (bleach), and others work best under alkaline conditions. ● Temperature: Certain disinfectants work best in cold water(bleach). ● Soil load: Disinfectants do not know the difference between soil and bacteria. That is why heavy soil should be removed before disinfecting. See explanation above for more details. ● Organism type: Not all disinfectants work on all types of organisms. When in doubt, read the product label for a complete list. environment with a high temperature and pressure, typically used for sterilizing equipment. The autoclave was invented by French microbiologist, Charles Chamberland, in 1879. Autoclaves are used in industries where sterilization is a necessity. They sterilize equipment and supplies by subjecting the equipment to high-pressure saturated steam at 270 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the load and the contents. While autoclaves are not required in Florida, many salons are purchasing them anyway. They provide salons with an increased layer of safety; and stressing use of an autoclave is a good way to market your salon to clients. This section will give you the basics of autoclave procedures. The autoclave that uses saturated steam under pressure is one of the most dependable methods available for the inactivation of all forms of microbial life. To ensure safety and quality control, all biohazardous materials and items contaminated with potentially infectious agents should be decontaminated before use or disposal. Such items include, but are not limited to, toenail clippers, cuticle nippers, and metal cuticle pushers. Steam sterilization is not recommended for anhydrous substances, flammable materials, electrical equipment, or any item that may be damaged in the autoclaving process. How the autoclave works The most common steam sterilizer found is the gravity displacement type. Saturated steam enters the top of the changer by a pressure-control valve. As the steam enters, it pushes the air out through a trap in the drain line. Once all the air is evacuated, the trap closes. Steam continues to fill the autoclave 270 degrees Fahrenheit and 15 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) pressure. Introduction to the autoclave An autoclave is a device that creates an internal
Currently, for a disinfectant cleaner to be registered by EPA as hospital strength, it must be effective at its recommended dilution in killing target pathogens in the presence of 400 ppm hard water and 5 percent organic serum and must kill 100 percent of the target test organisms. It is a good idea to verify manufacturer and/or distributor efficacy data of a disinfectant or disinfectant-cleaner before selecting it for use in your salon. How can you calculate active parts per million (ppm) of the disinfectant you are using? To calculate active ppm, you’ll need three things: the active ingredient list from the disinfectant label, dilution rate of the product, and a calculator. The following is an example of how this would be done using Neutral Germicidal Cleaner: ● Step 1 Add together active ingredient percentages from the label: For example, 5.07 percent + 3.38 percent = 8.45 percent total active ingredients. ● Step 2 Multiply by 10,000: 8.45 X 10,000 = 84,500 ● Step 3 Divide the result of Step 2 by the dilution rate (128 in this example): 84,500/128 = 660 ppm. Parts per million (ppm) is a ratio figure that represents the amount of one substance that is in one million parts of another substance. The sterilization procedure consists of three phases. 1. The autoclave heat-up time. 2. The contact time. 3. The cool-down time. Once the temperature has come
to equilibrium, a minimum of 20 minutes contact time for all surfaces that require sterilization is necessary to insure complete biological inactivation. Usually the heat-up time section of the sterilization procedure is the time given for the autoclave chamber to heat up to the prescribed temperature; therefore, the run time used must be long enough for the entire package to equilibrate at 270 degrees and still give the load 20 minutes contact time.
The autoclave, which uses steam under pressure, is one of the most dependable methods available for the inactivation of all forms of microbial life.
Steps in cleaning your instruments in an autoclave Step 1 In a sink, put instruments in warm water and detergent; then, hold the instruments under the water and scrub them with a clean brush, paying attention to crevices and grooves. Rinse clean instruments in warm water and dry using a lint- free disposable towel.
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Book Code: CFL1025
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