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 MOH 28-6 / 13 of 06/08/1982, a phenolphthalein test must be performed.
Assignment of Samples
To assess the quality of processing (washing) from the surface of the instruments of any detergents and other contaminants, different solutions are prepared. Phenolphthalein test is only one of the stages of checking for the presence of residual detergents, namely their alkaline components. For its implementation, a solution of this substance is prepared. According to the Guidelines, it is necessary to make a 1% solution of phenolphthalein. Immediately after its preparation, they begin to assess the quality of processing tools.
Phenolphthalein test
It is carried out in several stages. First of all, 2-3 drops of a phenolphthalein solution are applied to the instrument. It must necessarily fall on the joints of moving parts and places of contact with the wound surface. This is due to the risk of contact of hazardous chemical and organic substances with the blood of the patient.
In the next step, the laboratory technician checks the degree of staining of the solution. Phenolphthalein test indicates a different concentration of alkalis. The appearance of pink staining 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 color has pink and purple hues. If a discoloration of the sample is detected, the entire batch of processed tools is sent for re-washing with running water. Then they are treated with distilled water.
After washing, the tools are placed in special containers with a washing solution. They conduct repeated pre-sterilization treatment. Particular attention is paid to the quality of cleaning catheters and other hollow products. For this, a phenolphthalein sample is carried out inside the instrument by introducing the 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 the departments (1% of simultaneously processed instruments, but not less than 3 units - previously 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.
Specialists of disinfection and sanitary-epidemiological stations monitor pre-sterilization cleaning in medical institutions on a quarterly basis. With poor-quality processing of any surgical instruments and medical devices, infection of wounds during operations, the development of hepatitis and AIDS are possible.