The Washing Evaluation Method of Flasher Disinfector: Visual Evaluation with the ISO Standardized Test Soil and Adenosine Triphosphate Level

Abstract

BACKGROUND. The flasher disinfector (FD) is designed to help reusable urinals and bedpans to be emptied, cleaned, and disinfected. In Europe, FD is a Class medical device; the washing evaluation method is standardized according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). In Japan, the FD is not managed as a medical device by the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act; therefore, the washing evaluation method is not standardized. To reduce the risk of infection through excrement, it is important to confirm the reusable excretion container is washed thoroughly.

OBJECTIVE. Visual evaluation, using the ISO certificated test-soil, and measuring the amount of luminescence (relative light unit; RLU) of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was examined as a means of evaluating FD cleanliness.

METODS. Visual evaluation was done according to a 4-grade scale after using ISO certificated test-soil. After visual evaluation, the correlation between the logarithm of the ATP (RLU) and each scale was examined.

RESULTS. By visual evaluation, the test-soil inside the bedpan was completely removed. Remaining test-soil was observed on the bedpan's handle and cap when the test soil was applied to the bedpan's entire surface. When the test-soil was applied only inside the bedpan, it was removed completely. A correlation was confirmed between the logarithm of the ATP (RLU) and the visual evaluation score.

CONCLUSIONS. In this study, the FD washing evaluation by the visual evaluation and ATP measurement might be recommended for bedpans used in each healthcare site.