Download Managing Single Use and Reusable Medical Devices in Health

Managing Single Use / Reusable
Medical Devices in Health Care
Clinics after a Wildfire
Community-based Health Care Settings (CHCS) include, but are not limited to, clinics
offering medical, dental, podiatry, acupuncture, and chiropractic services. When
reopening a CHCS after a wildfire, take the following precautions in regards to the
management of single-use and reusable medical devices:
1. All consumable products (single-use medical devices) found in the CHCS should
be discarded.
2. Medical device reprocessing (MDR) areas should be re-commissioned.
Thoroughly clean and disinfect MDR area and ensure table top sterilizers
undergo operational requalification (see below).
3. Use new single-use medical devices until MDR area in the office has been recommissioned.
4. Review practices for MDR in the office to ensure that all aspects can be
completed as required before considering commencing reprocessing activities.
5. Reprocess (clean and sterilize) all packaged reusable instruments and
instrument sets before use.
Operational Requalification:
• Operational requalification testing of both dynamic air removal and gravity
sterilizers shall be conducted by running three consecutive cycles using
biological indicator challenge tests.
• Dynamic air removal (vacuum) sterilizers shall additionally be tested with three
consecutive air removal (Bowie-Dick) tests in an otherwise empty sterilizer.
Contact Alberta Health Services, Environmental Public Health, North Zone at 780-5137517 prior to reopening to determine if your facility requires an inspection.
For more information, please contact your nearest Environmental Public Health office.
Edmonton Main Office
Calgary Main Office
Lethbridge Main Office
780-735-1800
403-943-2288
403-388-6689
Grande Prairie Main Office
Red Deer Main Office
www.ahs.ca/eph
780-513-7517
403-356-6366
FIRE-16-032
Created: Jn2/16
12:27