Challenging existing protein residue removal methods

Mark Campbell, Decontamination Service manager in the Hospital Disinfection & Sterilisation Unit at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, and Graham Stanton IEng, FIHEEM, AE (D), who spent 42 years in the Welsh NHS, 35 of them in specialist sterilisation and decontamination roles, describe ongoing research – including a recent research initiative at the hospital – on the most effective ways to remove protein residue from surgical instruments – acknowledged as a considerable challenge using current, established methods.

The Department of Health & Social Care has led investigations for several years into the optimal means of removing residual protein from surgical instruments, building from initial research projects from the original Engineering and Scientific Advisory Committee (ESAC) around 20 years ago. This quickly developed and expanded with the results and findings by the various groups, universities, scientists, and people involved. The research looked at a broad range of areas, including proteins, adhesion, surgical instrument materials, types of surfaces, detergents, washerdisinfectors and cycles, optimum cycle parameters, flexible endoscopes, gas plasma processes, new surgical instrument coatings, known protein detection methods, patient safety, operating theatre techniques and policies, and Sterile Service Departments etc. The work looked in all directions of decontamination, and, new materials that could be used.

The group developed, and with advice and consultation, was widened, to include observers from the NHS in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. The results were highlighting a real problem for patient safety, and the conclusion of the group was to hand the results and comments over to the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP).