Academy of Architecture for Health

  • 1.  Sterile Processing Department : Cleaning Case Carts

    Posted 12-22-2014 03:45 PM
    What are the requirements for manual washing of case carts? Will a small room accessed from decontamination and opening into the clean side with a spray gun and compressed air for washing and drying the carts be sufficient?
    This is for a small Outpatient Surgery Center currently with 2 ORs and expanding to 4 OR's. The client would rather not add an automatic cart washer.

    Thanks,
    Priya
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    Priya Malhotra AIA
    Architect
    DES Architects & Engineers
    Redwood City CA
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  • 2.  RE: Sterile Processing Department : Cleaning Case Carts

    Posted 12-24-2014 09:45 AM
    Case cart cleaning has more to do with the owner's policies and procedures than it does the amenities within the facility.  The owners infection control policy and functional program should determine whether or not they need a cart washer.  For a facility of this size a cart washer would likely be a very large expense, compared to the volume of use.  Our clients have used manual cart washing for small ASC's and on a short-term basis for larger facilities.

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    William Downing AIA
    Rohrbach Associates P.C.
    Iowa City IA
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Sterile Processing Department : Cleaning Case Carts

    Posted 12-24-2014 02:51 PM
    Thank you for your response.

    I agree with you- the cart washer is turning out to be a huge expense based on equipment and infrastructure costs.
    Regarding the space requirements and process for manual cart washing- will a small (80 SF?) room suffice with a spray gun (high pressure, hot water). We can potentially provide compressed air for rapid drying of carts. Is a separate space outside of this room needed for drying carts?

    Thanks,
    Priya


    -------------------------------------------
    Priya Malhotra AIA
    Architect
    DES Architects & Engineers
    Redwood City CA
    -------------------------------------------


    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Sterile Processing Department : Cleaning Case Carts

    Posted 12-29-2014 09:39 AM
    I suggest you check with the owner's CS manager and infection control specialist, as well as perhaps the cart manufacturer.  I believe the typical manual disinfection method is a wipe-down, not spraying.  It sounds like you are trying to duplicate the cart washer by use of the sprayer and air dryer, but this is not likely to be a satisfactory solution.  You'll end up with a lot of water and humidity to try to control.  As far as 80 SF, you may try a mock-up to see what works.

    -------------------------------------------
    William Downing AIA
    Rohrbach Associates P.C.
    Iowa City IA
    -------------------------------------------


    Original Message