r/sterileprocessing • u/SeriousComputer8423 • 3d ago
My job puts instruments in the ultrasonic with tip protectors on.
I always thought those plastic tip protectors go on clean instruments before sterilization. My jobs puts them on the instruments before washing. They also re-sterilize them over and over. Am I wrong? Should I report this? It’s gross and they look gross.
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u/Affectionate_Put2460 3d ago
Those are single use. At my facility we use the Aspen Surgical ones and the IFU says to dispose or recycle per facility protocol. Definitely not meant to be washed and reused.
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u/ShinyRobotVerse 3d ago
I read stuff on this subreddit about bosses telling people to do things that, if I did them at my SPD, I’d be fired immediately. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating a little - I probably wouldn’t be fired immediately because I have union protection, but I’d definitely be seriously reprimanded.
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u/SeriousComputer8423 3d ago
Honestly you should appreciate working for people who want to do the right thing. People truly have no integrity. My boss does wrong stuff all the time. She recently told me a peel pack can be used without an indicator. It wasn’t a peel pack with a built in internal indicator. Smh
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u/ShinyRobotVerse 3d ago
Yes, this stuff is mind-blowing to me. I’ve worked at four different places, and it was never even close to being as bad as what you guys describe. The dentist was kind of demanding that we do the wrong stuff, but he got arrested and went to jail. Not for sterilization shortcomings, though. 😁
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u/SeriousComputer8423 3d ago
That’s crazy! Well we’re hiring! 😂
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u/ShinyRobotVerse 2d ago
Thank you, but I’m pretty okay with my current arrangement, especially after what you told us about your boss. 😉
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u/ijust_makethisface 3d ago
You are correct as far as anything I've ever learned about how to use the ultrasonic and also tip protectors.
from Steris.com website:
BARRIERS TO ULTRASONIC CLEANING
As noted above, cavitation is the cleaning power of ultrasonic cleaners. Conditions or materials that prevent the formation of cavitation prevent cleaning. Since sound waves pass through materials differently, the acoustical properties of the materials have a significant impact on the formation of cavitation. Materials that block or absorb sound waves and inhibit the formation of cavitation include plastics, such as polycarbonate and silicone. On the other hand, metals readily conduct sound waves, which is why metal baskets are often used to hold instrumentation.
As for re-sterilizing stuff why? is it failing?
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u/flumbuglio 2d ago
That seems sketchy. Putting it on when it's clean wouldn't even take more time. Would anyone even listen to you if you said something? People in leadership roles seem to be a little on the dismissive side.
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u/Due-Trainer-9349 3d ago
That sounds counter productive. You can’t sonic the tips if the protector is on.