cleaning-and-disinfecting-your-mass-medical-storage-cabinets-and-carts

   Cleaning and Disinfecting Your MASS™ Medical Storage Cabinets and Carts   

Proper infection control procedures are a key part of keeping your MASS™ Medical Storage cabinets and carts in top condition. Because of the sensitive nature of the medical items that are stored in our products, MASS™ Medical Storage products should be cleaned on a regular schedule. Even unused cabinets and carts can be contaminated with airborne pathogens, droplets, and organic soil such as blood or other body fluids, indicating the importance of routine infection control procedures.

An important distinction must be made between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning consists of the physical removal of dust, blood, body fluids, and dirt. Disinfecting kills germs and is therefore a critical part of infection control. Rinsing between steps is also necessary, since residual soap or detergent reduces the power of the disinfectant. Cabinet and cart surfaces should always be cleaned before disinfection, because dirt or grime lowers the chemical’s effectiveness by covering germs and compromising the disinfectant.

The life of your MASS™ Medical Storage carts and cabinets will be prolonged with proper use and care. Following these guidelines will help protect your patients from infection and help improve your overall infection control.

   CLEANING RECOMMENDATIONS    

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  • Dust, then remove any remaining deposits with a damp sponge.
  • Clean with a non-abrasive, neutral liquid detergent at a 10-20% solution.
  • Use a stronger concentration of detergent when excessive dirt is present.
  • Avoid using bleach, petroleum-based solvents, or ammonia, as these can cause permanent damage.
  • Use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the detergent.
  • Lightly rinse before beginning the disinfecting process.
  • Do not allow water to drip into crevices of the cart or cabinet, as this can cause damage and allows for bacterial growth.
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   CABINET DISINFECTION    

  • MASS™ Medical Storage recommends using quaternary ammonium compounds for regular disinfecting.
  • This low-level disinfectant is highly recommended for general housekeeping of medical storage cabinets and other non-critical items.
  • Quaternary ammonium compounds are bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal against lipophilic (enveloped) viruses.
  • At hospital-strength concentration, quaternary ammonium compounds can destroy HIV, hepatitis B and C, influenza, parvovirus, and more.
  • Ensure maximum effectiveness by adhering to the disinfectant manufacturer’s recommended contact time.
  • As with cleaning, bleach is not a recommended disinfectant, as surfaces exposed to bleach will stain and oxidize.

   SPECIAL CASES    

  • Always use PPE while cleaning and disinfecting your medical storage cabinets, especially in the presence of any blood or bodily fluids.
  • First, remove any hazardous liquid with a disposable, absorbent cloth.
  • Next, clean and disinfect as you normally would, making sure to adhere to the disinfectant manufacturer’s recommended contact time.

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   SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR STAINLESS STEEL    

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  • Do not use abrasive cleaning materials such as steel wool, powder products, or synthetic abrasives.
  • Should it be necessary to scrub your stainless steel cart or cabinet surface, be sure to wipe parallel to the direction of the glazing, using as little pressure as possible.
  • Bleach is harmful to all cart and cabinet surfaces, but harms stainless steel in a harsher, quicker manner and its use should be carefully avoided.
  • Please refer to your owner’s manual to determine if bleach can be used on components such as bins, wire baskets, and scope holders.
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   QUICK OVERVIEW OF DISINFECTANTS    

Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
Effective against most fungi, bacteria, and lipophilic viruses

  • Stable, non-irritating, effective at high temperatures and high pH levels.
  • Can be compromised with organic matter, hard water, and soap/detergents.

Chlorine Compounds/Hypochlorites – NOT RECOMMENDED
Effective against viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, and some spores

  • Inexpensive, short contact time, broad spectrum of effectiveness.
  • Unstable, corrosive, toxic.

70% Ethyl Alcohol – NOT RECOMMENDED
Effective against bacteria, some viruses, and fungi

  • Fast-acting, no residue.
  • Rapid evaporation limits contact time, highly flammable, corrosive.

Phenols
Effective against some viruses, bacteria, and fungi

  • Good for general uses, wide range of effectiveness.
  • Mildly corrosive, unstable, toxic, more expensive than comparable QAC.

http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/Disinfection_Sterilization/6_0disinfection.html

http://www.cdc.gov/hicpac/Disinfection_Sterilization/9_0PceticAcidHydroPoxide.html

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