How to Decontaminate Medical Instruments

It is mandatory for health care workers to decontaminate soiled medical instruments before using them on other patients. Decontamination of medical instruments prevents the spread of infectious diseases and is the first sterilization process to protect patients from contaminants like HIV and Hepatitis C that can live on instruments. Liquid bleach, as well as isopropyl and ethyl alcohol, are extremely effective in decontaminating medical instruments if a hospital grade germicidal cleanser is not available.

Things You'll Need

• Heavy-duty utility gloves
• Face mask
• Goggles
• Waterproof apron
• 2 Large plastic washbasins
• Hospital-grade germicidal spray
• Diluted household bleach (if germicide spray is not available)
• Isopropyl or ethyl alcohol 70% (if germicide spray is not available)
• Soft toothbrush

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Instructions

• 1

  Place your washbasins and supplies in a cleaning station or utility room. Decide which chemical you will use to decontaminate the medical instruments -- germicidal spray, liquid bleach or alcohol. These are all highly effective decontamination agents and the medical community approves of them.

• 2

  Put on your protective wear - gloves, goggles, mask and apron. Gloves should be the heavy-duty utility style for handling sharp instruments like scalpels and knives. Dispose of gloves and don a new pair if they tear during the disinfecting process.

• 3

  If you are using a germicidal spray, spray each individual instrument heavily with germicidal spray, decontaminating one piece at a time. Allow each item to sit for two minutes in the washbasin. Place the instruments into a separate basin of clean water to rinse. Dried blood or fluids on instruments may require an additional application of germicidal spray and light scrubbing with a toothbrush for removal.

• 4

  If you are using liquid bleach, mix one ounce of bleach with one quart of boiled water in a washbasin. Add the soiled medical instruments. Allow the instruments to sit in the bleach solution for five minutes to kill any infectious organisms. Remove the instruments and check for any remaining blood or fluids. Use the toothbrush to remove any visible contaminants left on the instruments. Rinse the instruments with clean water in a separate basin.

• 5

  If you are using isopropyl or ethyl alcohol, place the soiled instruments in the washbasin. Pour the alcohol into a spray bottle and spray the instruments thoroughly. Use a toothbrush to remove any dried fluids. Apply more spray and scrub vigorously if the contaminant is still visible on the object. Place the instruments into another basin and rinse with clean water.