What it means
Reprocessing starts with cleaning, which removes blood, tissue and soil, followed by inspection, then disinfection or sterilization at the level the device needs: items that enter sterile tissue must be sterilized, while items that touch mucous membranes need at least high-level disinfection. Packaging, storage and records follow. Some single-use devices are reprocessed by FDA-regulated companies.
For the nurse
Cleaning must come first: dried blood and tissue shield germs from the disinfectant or sterilant. Start point-of-use cleaning, such as wiping instruments and keeping them moist, before they go to sterile processing.
At a glance
| Also written | reprocess, reprocessed |
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Related terms
sterilization
A process that destroys all microorganisms, including spores, on an item; also a permanent birth control procedure.
disinfection
Cleaning a surface or object with chemicals or heat to kill most germs, though not always all bacterial spores.
sterilant
A chemical that kills all forms of microbial life, including bacterial spores.
sterilizer
A machine that kills all germs, including spores, on instruments and supplies.