Washer disinfectors are the preferred method of cleaning and disinfection dental instruments.
Washer disinfector validation is a vital process in any dental practice that uses washer disinfectors. Validation shows that your device is effectively cleaning dental tools and working correctly. The HTM01-05 has guidance on periodic validation testing and provides a recommended schedule.
If provided, the manufacturer’s instructions on validation should be followed. They will specify any additional validation tests required.
Washer disinfectors must be validated at installation and annually thereafter. In addition, they must be validated after any major repairs.
Due to the complexity of washer disinfectors, many will specify routine daily or weekly maintenance that is required, such as inspecting spray arms. This daily maintenance should always be performed to ensure the machine is working correctly. This daily maintenance will also prolong the life of the machine.
In the absence of manufacturer instructions, the HTM01-05 recommended testing schedule below should be followed.
| Test | Description | Frequency | Performed by |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Remove and clean strainers and filters |
Ensures that filters and strainers are clean and do not introduce contamination into the washer disinfector. |
Daily |
User or by delegation, operator. |
|
Cleaning Efficacy – Visual Test |
An inspection of the instruments under a mag lamp to ensure there is no visible contamination. |
Daily |
User or by delegation, operator. |
|
Safety Check |
A check of the door seal. Manufacturers instructions might include additional checks, for example checking the spray arms, baskets and detergent delivery system. |
Weekly |
User or by delegation, operator. |
|
The residual protein test checks that the washer disinfector is effectively removing protein. |
Weekly |
User or by delegation, operator. |
|
|
Automatic Control Test |
Measures the repeatability of the cleaning and disinfection process. |
Quarterly or to or to manufacturers’ recommendations. |
Competent Person (Decontamination) or Service Engineer |
|
Chemical Dosing |
Confirm delivery of detergent (and any other additives) is repeatable and the machine
reacts correctly to low levels of any additive. |
Quarterly or to or to manufacturers’ recommendations. |
CP(D) or Service Engineer |
|
Cleaning efficacy test |
Also known as a soil test. Ensures that the washer disinfector can effectively remove soils. |
Quarterly or to or to manufacturers’ recommendations. |
CP(D) or Service Engineer |
|
Thermometric disinfection test |
Use of thermocouples on worst-case load to confirm disinfection parameters are acceptable. |
Quarterly or to or to manufacturers’ recommendations. |
CP(D) or Service Engineer |
|
Completion of all validation tests above. |
Completion of all tests as well as any additional manufacturer tests. |
Annualy |
CP(D) or Service Engineer |
Records on washer disinfector validation and maintenance should be kept for 2 years.
Firstly repeat the test that has failed to confirm the result. If the test fails again, contact an engineer for assistance.
At Aura we have a range of washer disinfector validation products to ensure your device is working to the correct level.
If you have any further questions on washer disinfector validation, please get in touch with our team of expert advisors.
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