| The first step in handling used items; reduces risk of HBV and HIV/AIDS. | Removes all visible blood, body fluids, and dirt. | Destroys all microorganisms, including endospores. | Destroys all viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and some endospores. |
Airway (plastic) | Soak in 0.5% chlorine solution for 10 min before cleaning. Rinse and wash immediately. | Wash with soap and water. Rinse with clean water; air or towel dry. | Not necessary. | Not necessary. |
Ambubag/CPR face mask | Wipe exposed surfaces with gauze pad soaked in 60% to 90% alcohol or 0.5% chlorine solution; rinse immediately. | Wash with soap and water. Rinse with clean water; air or towel dry. | Not necessary. | Not necessary. |
Bed pan, urinal, and emesis basin | Not necessary. | Use a brush to wash with disinfectant, soap, and water. Rinse with clean water. | Not necessary. | Not necessary. |
Cotton cord umbilical tie | Not necessary. | Not necessary. | Not practical. | Place in small metal bowl. Place bowl in steamer, steam for 20 min. Air dry. |
Exam table or other large surface areas (cart and stretcher) | Wipe off with 0.5% chlorine solution. | Wash with soap and water if organic material remains after decontamination. | Not necessary. | Not necessary. |
Hypodermic needle and syringe (glass or plastic) | Fill assembled needle and syringe with 0.5% chlorine solution. Flush ×3 and either dispose of needle or soak for 10 min before cleaning. Rinse by flushing ×3 with clean water. | Disassemble. Then wash with soap and water. Rinse with clean water; air or towel dry syringes (only air dry needles). | Preferable. Dry heat for 2 hours after reaching 160°C (320°F) (glass syringes only). —or— Autoclave at 121°C (250°F) and 106 kPa (15 lb/in2) for 20 min (30 min if wrapped).
| Acceptable. - Steam or boil for 20 min.
- Use of chemical disinfection is not recommended, as chemical residue may remain (even after repeated rinsing in boiled water) and interfere with the action of drugs being injected.
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Instruments (e.g., scissors, forceps, vaginal speculum, needle holder, needle) | Soak in 0.5% chlorine solution for 10 min before cleaning. Rinse or wash immediately. | Using a brush, wash with soap and water. Rinse with clean water. If will be sterilized, air or towel dry. | Preferable. Dry heat for 1 hour after reaching 170°C (340°F). —or— Autoclave at 121°C (250°F) and 106 kPa (15 lb/in2) for 20 min (30 min if wrapped).
For sharp instruments, use dry heat for 2 hours after reaching 160°C (320°F). | Acceptable. Steam or boil for 20 min. —or— Use chemical to high-level disinfect by soaking for 20 min. Rinse well in boiled water and air dry before use or storage.
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Manual vacuum aspirator cannula (plastic) | Soak in 0.5% chlorine solution for 10 min before cleaning. Rinse or wash immediately. | Wash with soap and water, removing all particles. | Not recommended. Heat from autoclave or dry-heat oven damages cannula. | Steam or boil for 20 min. |
Plastic apron and sheet | Wipe off with 0.5% chlorine solution. | Wash with soap and hot water. Rinse with clean water; air dry. | Not necessary. | Not necessary. |
Personal protective equipment (cap, mask, gown), cloth drape, cloth to dry and wrap neonates | Not necessary. (Laundry staff should wear protective gowns, gloves, and eyewear when handling soiled linen.) | Wash with soap and hot water. Rinse with clean water; air or machine dry. | Not necessary. | Not necessary. |
Stethoscope | Not necessary. | Wipe with 60% to 90% alcohol. | Not necessary. | Not necessary. |
Storage container for instruments, specimen cup, test tube | Soak in 0.5% chlorine solution for 10 min before cleaning. Rinse or wash immediately. | Wash with soap and water. Rinse with clean water; air or towel dry. | Dry heat for 1 hour after reaching 170°C (340°F). —or— Autoclave at 121°C (250°F) and 106 kPa (15 lb/in2) for 20 min (30 min if wrapped).
| Boil container and lid for 20 min. If container is too large: Fill container with 0.5% chlorine solution and soak for 20 min. Rinse in water that has been boiled for 20 min and air dry. |
Suction bulb | Soak in 0.5% chlorine solution for 10 min before cleaning. Rinse and wash immediately. | Wash with soap and water. Rinse with clean water; air or towel dry. | Not necessary. | Not necessary |
Suction catheter | Soak in 0.5% chlorine solution for 10 min before cleaning. Rinse or wash immediately. | Wash with soap and water. Rinse ×3 with clean water (inside and outside). | Not recommended. Heat from autoclave or dry-heat oven will damage catheter. | Steam or boil for 20 min. Use of chemical disinfection is not recommended, as chemical residue may remain (even after repeated rinsing with boiled water) and interfere with the action of drugs being injected. |
Surgical gloves | Soak in 0.5% chlorine solution for 10 min before cleaning. Rinse or wash immediately. | Wash with soap and water. Rinse with clean water and check for holes. If will be sterilized, dry inside and out (air or towel dry) and package. | If used for surgery, autoclave at 121°C (250°F) and 106 kPa (15 lb/in2) for 20 min. Do not use for 24 to 48 hours. | Steam for 20 min; dry in steamer. |
Thermometer, oral | Soak in 0.5% chlorine solution for 10 min before cleaning. Rinse and wash immediately. | Wash with soap and water. Rinse with clean water; air or towel dry. | Not necessary. | Not necessary. |
Thermometer, rectal | Soak in 0.5% chlorine solution for 10 min before cleaning. Rinse and wash immediately. | Wash with soap and water. Rinse with clean water; air or towel dry. | Not necessary. | Not necessary. |
Forceps (pick-ups) | Not necessary. Reprocess each shift or when contaminated. | Using a brush, wash with soap and water. Rinse with clean water. If will be sterilized, air or towel dry. | Preferable Dry heat for 1 hour after reaching 170°C (340°F). —or— Autoclave at 121°C (250°F) and 106 kPa (15 lb/in2) for 20 min (30 min if wrapped).
| Acceptable. Steam or boil for 20 min. Use chemical to high-level disinfect by soaking for 20 min. Rinse well with boiled water and air dry before use or storage.
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Urinary catheter | Soak in 0.5% chlorine solution for 10 min before cleaning. Rinse or wash immediately. | Use a brush to wash with soap and water. Rinse ×3 with clean water (inside and outside). | Dry heat for 2 hours after reaching 160°C (320°F) (metal only). —or— Autoclave at 121°C (250°F) and 106 kPa (15 lb/in2) for 20 min (30 min if wrapped) (metal only).
| Steam or boil for 20 min. |