Medical and Dental Office CSSD Errors

During the last 15 years, I have been involved in inspecting and training individuals who reprocess instrumentation in medical and dental practices and specialty care centers. ECRI recently listed medical and dental sterilization practices as the #3 hazard for 2020 ( https://www.ecri.org/landing-2020-top-ten-health-technology-hazards). The following list is some of the errors that I have found during the last decade and a half.

Decontamination Area

• cross-contamination during the process flow

• incorrect dilution of chemicals

• lack of proper use of chemicals

• high-level disinfection chemical misuse

• improper airflow

• improper PPE use

• improper equipment for cleaning

• lack of critical water use

• improper cleaning of ophthalmic instrumentation

• improper transportation of soiled items

• lack of keeping soiled instruments moist prior to cleaning

Preparation and Packaging Area

• improper packaging

• improper labeling

• improper inspection of instrumentation

• expired packaging and supplies

Sterilization Area

• lack of verification of sterilization cycles

• improper loading of sterilizers

• improper cleaning of sterilizers

• improper shelf life of sterilized items

• improper storage of sterilized items

Departmental Administrative Area

• outdated policies

• lack of instructions for use (IFU)

• lack of a quality management system

• lack of a continuing education plan

• lack of training documentation

• lack of an annual risk assessment

• improper attire policies

• lack of an orientation plan

I am sure I have left out a few findings. To help create a risk assessment for your area, visit OSAP (https://www.osap.org/), AAMI (www.aami.org), or the CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/index.html). It is the management teams' responsibility and the owners of small businesses to keep their patients safe.

At Evolved Sterile Processing, our consultants have a greater focus on sterile processing. With our decades of experience, we will help you develop better processes and educational resources for your staff.