Final answer:
If too many microorganisms remain on an item after using a high-level disinfectant, the item should not be used, as appearance alone does not ensure safety. Disinfectants should be monitored for effectiveness, with factors like biofilms and organic debris considered when establishing cleaning protocols.
Step-by-step explanation:
When using a high-level disinfecting device, if too many microorganisms remain on an item after the cleaning process, it is not advisable to proceed with use even if the item appears clean. The presence of microorganisms means that the item is not properly disinfected, and relying on the appearance of cleanliness can be deceptive, as some pathogens can survive disinfection procedures.
In healthcare settings, disinfection protocols determine the level of cleanliness required based on the items' contact with tissues or bodily fluids, with sterilization or high-level disinfection necessary for critical and semi-critical items, respectively. It is crucial to reduce microbial load to prevent disease transmission, where the use of a disinfectant that can inactivate most microbes is essential. However, when a disinfectant no longer effectively reduces the microbial load, as indicated by in-use tests, it becomes contaminated and should not be used.
Growth of five or more microbial colonies from an in-use test indicates that the disinfecting solution is no longer effective. Environmental factors such as organic debris and biofilms can reduce the effectiveness of disinfecting agents, necessitating consideration of these factors when determining the intensity of the cleaning protocol.