Infection prevention and control: Guideline for speech pathologists, Version 1,2020.

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Clean as soon as possible post-use .

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• Use warm to hot water ( 54°C-60°C) and a detergent solution via automated or manual methods; guided by manufacturer’s instructions. Disinfection • Disinfection kills many infectious agents, including human pathogens, to a level considered suitable for further use or handling of a medical device. • It inactivates non-sporing infectious agents (e.g., blood, lung, skin, ear or eye infections). • Disinfect after cleaning. • Use thermal (moist or dry heat) or chemical methods (high, intermediate or low- level hospital-grade disinfectants containing between 60% and 80% v/v ethanol or equivalent). 9 Sterilisation • Sterilisation destroys all infectious agents on the surface of medical devices, including high numbers of bacterial spores, rendering it free from contamination of infectious agents. • Sterilise after cleaning. • Use steam for heat resistant items. • Use low-temperature sterilisation technology (chemical) for heat and moisture sensitive items.55 The Spaulding Classification 9,56,57 is commonly used to guide reprocessing requirements. The three levels of classification include: • Critical o Confer a high risk of infection if they are contaminated with an infectious agent and must be sterile at the time of use (e.g., flexible and rigid scopes used for stroboscopy or endoscopy). o Requires sterilisation or high-level disinfection when sterilisation is not possible. o Items must remain sterile, dry, and ensure the integrity of the package is maintained away from any environmental contamination. o Once unpacked, the item must be used immediately. Semi-critical o Contact mucous membranes or non-tact skin and should be single-use or sterilised after each use (e.g., laryngeal mirror, baby bottle). Non-critical o Contact intact skin (not mucous membranes) and thorough cleaning is sufficient for most items after each use (e.g., stethoscope, headsets). o Requires intermediate or low-level disinfection. o Store in a clean, dry place. • o Requires high or intermediate level disinfection. o Store to protect from environmental contamination. •

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Infection Prevention and Control - Guideline for Speech Pathologists | Version 1, 2020