Oculopressor reprocessing

[Wishart, Michael]

Hi all

We have been asked to evaluate an oculopressor device which is used to
help distribute anaesthetic agents around the eye prior to ocular
surgery. The device has an attached timer to alert staff when the
pressure has been applied for the correct time. The device would be used
after injection of anaesthetic agents around the eye, but prior to any
surgery (indeed in our case before the patient even enters the operating
room). A gauze pad is placed between the closed eyelid and the device.
In my opinion this device is considered non-critical according to the
Spaulding classification system (eg like a BP cuff), and thus only needs
to be washed with detergent and water between different patient uses.

The problem we have is that the manufacturer/supplier information
provided with the product states an ‘instrument-grade disinfectant’
should be used on the product after cleaning. Since the device is stated
to be non-immersible, for us this would mean wiping with
ortho-phthalaldehyde. We are not keen to use ortho-phthalaldehyde (or
indeed any high level disinfectant chemical) in such a manner on a
non-critical device.

This may be a case of incorrect terminology by the manufacturer/supplier
in the Australian market, and we are following this up with them, but we
wondered if any other facilities use a similar device and require it to
be reprocessed with high level disinfection between patients, and if so,
what the rationale is for that.

Thanks
Michael

Michael Wishart | GPH – Infection Control Coordinator

GPH – Quality & Safety Unit (Infection Control) | Greenslopes Private
Hospital
Newdegate Street, Greenslopes QLD 4120
t: 07 3394 7919 | f: 07 3394 7985
e: WishartM@ramsayhealth.com.au | w: http://www.ramsayhealth.com.au

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