Question

At the completion of a high level disinfection cycle, to prepare the probe for use, what steps should be taken?

1) Rinse the probe with water
2) Dry the probe with a clean cloth
3) Perform a leak test on the probe
4) Perform a functionality test on the probe

Answer 1

The steps to prepare a probe after a high level disinfection cycle include rinsing with sterile water, drying with a clean cloth, performing a leak test, and conducting a functionality test to ensure aseptic conditions and patient safety.

Step-by-step explanation:

At the completion of a high level disinfection cycle, to prepare the probe for use, the following steps should be taken:

1. Rinse the probe thoroughly with sterile or high-quality water to remove any residual disinfectant.
2. Dry the probe with a clean, lint-free cloth to avoid any contamination that might occur from water residue or handling.
3. Perform a leak test on the probe to ensure integrity and that there are no breaches which could harbour microorganisms.
4. Carry out a functionality test on the probe to ensure that it is operating correctly and ready for use on a patient.

These steps are critical for maintaining aseptic conditions and ensuring patient safety. For example, as per step 3, using sterile water ensures that any microorganisms are washed off rather than potentially contaminating the skin. Similarly, for step 4, drying with a clean towel prevents introducing new contaminants. It's also essential that any functionality tests do not compromise the sterility of the equipment.