General gynecology is the medical specialty responsible for the health of the female reproductive system and provides comprehensive care for women’s health throughout their lives. In the practice of gynecology, infections and issues related to the uterus, vagina and ovaries are treated.
Like other medical disciplines, gynecology undergoes several procedures, some may require hospitalization, while others are of an outpatient nature. Also, during routine gynecological consultation, it is common to perform a pelvic examination that requires the use of reusable instruments, such as speculum.
Risk levels of materials used in gynecology practice
Gynecology uses instruments or materials that can be defined as non-critical, semi-critical and critical, as they are included in any of the three categories that define the risk of contamination.
This means that we will apply disinfection levels from medium to high, depending on the risk they pose. For example, a non-critical level instrument is one that is not in direct contact with patients or only contacts healthy skin. In this kind of articles, we only require cleaning and drying and the level of disinfection that is needed will be low or medium. For example, the examination table where the pelvic examination is done.
An instrument at the semicritical level is one that contacts mucous membranes or skin that is not intact. In these cases, although sterilization is not indispensable, it is advisable to apply it, except for instruments to which sterilization cannot be applied. In this group of objects we will apply a high level disinfection. Take the speculum.
Instruments and materials of the critical level are those that are put in contact with cavities that, under normal conditions, are sterile. For example, the pelvic or abdominal cavity. In this group of instruments we have the surgical instruments, among others. They pose an increased risk of infection to the patient and therefore should be sterile.
Cleaning and disinfection in the practice of gynecology
During the execution of the usual medical procedures of this specialty, care should be taken of all aspects related to the cleaning and disinfection of the instruments and materials used. It is important to remember that if the cleaning of the instruments is not efficient, the remaining inorganic and organic waste, in addition to supporting and providing nutrients to the microorganisms, will prevent disinfection products from making contact with the surface of the instrument, which hinders their disinfection and sterilization.
Cleaning is nothing more than the removal of dirt from inert surfaces, through mechanical and physical actions, using special solutions. Cleaning allows removal of 80 to 99% of microbes sensitive to cleansing fluids, according to some studies. While disinfection is defined as a process that allows the elimination of all known pathogenic microorganisms, except for endospores.
Ultrasonic cleaners for cleaning and disinfection in gynecology practice
Ultrasonic cleaning equipment is ideal for hospital gynecology services as well as gynecological offices. This equipment uses ultrasound and special solutions, which enable the sanitization of the materials used.
The cavitation produced by the high frequency waves emitted in the cleaning solution, release enough energy to release the debris attached to the instruments. One of the most outstanding advantages of this equipment is that, in addition to eliminating waste in an efficient way, it can carry out a disinfection with a medium-high level, of the materials.
The level of disinfection will depend on the solutions we use and the time that the materials are immersed in the solution. For example, a solution containing 2% hydrogen peroxide is highly efficient in its bactericidal and viricidal action.
This is a biodegradable disinfectant and no protective measures are required when used. Once the material is disinfected, it needs to be rinsed with plenty of distilled water, to remove the disinfectant. They are then dried and packed. HERE
Kalstein Ultrasonic Cleaners
The YR series offers a wide range of ultrasonic cleaners, suitable for gynecology facilities. You’ll also find easy-to-carry models. You can choose the one that best suits your needs. These products are automated and have digital display and control. They have different adjustable operating times, which allow to meet the customer’s cleaning requirements, for different items. In addition, they offer better cleaning performance and minimal noise level, high energy conversion efficiency and long service life. For more information on Kalstein ultrasonic cleaners, visit the HERE
