It's no secret that after using medical instruments and products, they must be carefully processed in order to remove any kind of contamination. Various methods are used for this. After treatment with detergents in accordance with the Methodological recommendations of the Ministry of He alth 28-6 / 13 of 1982-08-06, a phenolphthalein test must be performed.
Sampling assignment
To evaluate the quality of processing (laundering) from the surface of the instruments of any detergents and other contaminants, different solutions are prepared. The phenolphthalein test is only one of the stages of checking for the presence of a residual amount of detergents, namely, their alkaline components. For its implementation, a solution of this substance is prepared. According to the Methodological recommendations, it is necessary to make a 1% solution of phenolphthalein. Immediately after its preparation, they begin to assess the quality of processing tools.
Phenolphthalein testing
It is being carried outin several stages. First of all, 2-3 drops of a phenolphthalein solution are applied to the instrument. It must necessarily get on the joints of the moving parts and the places of contact with the wound surface. This is due to the risk of contact of hazardous chemicals and organic substances with the patient's blood.
At the next stage, the laboratory assistant checks the degree of staining of the solution. The phenolphthalein test indicates a different concentration of alkalis. The appearance of a pink color indicates the presence of poorly washed surfactants. The presence of a brownish sample indicates the presence of rust, as well as chlorine-containing oxidizing agents. In other cases, the coloring has pink-lilac shades. If a change in the color of the sample is detected, the entire batch of treated instruments is sent for re-washing with running water. They are then treated with distilled water.
After washing, the instruments are placed in special containers with a cleaning solution. They carry out repeated pre-sterilization treatment. Particular attention is paid to the quality of cleaning catheters and other hollow products. To do this, a phenolphthalein test is carried out inside the instrument by introducing a solution using a pipette or syringe. The reagent should remain inside the product for 30-60 seconds. Then it is poured onto a napkin and compared with indicators.
Sample conditions
In accordance with the current rules, the phenolphthalein test is carried out in departments (1% ofsimultaneously processed instruments, but not less than 3 units - beforehand before loading them for sterilization); centralized sterilization (1% of any item that was processed per shift). The results of the control are recorded in the form No. 366/U.
Control by specialists of disinfection and sanitary-epidemiological stations for pre-sterilization cleaning in medical institutions is carried out quarterly. With poor-quality processing of any surgical instruments and medical devices, infection of wounds during operations, the development of hepatitis and AIDS is possible.
