In the process of high-level disinfection, no single step can be taken for granted. If each step is not perfectly performed each and every time, the chances of failure increase. Failure in reprocessing can mean anything from a probe irreparably coated with biofilm to an infected probe being used on a patient. When it comes to bedside cleaning and cleaning, it's especially easy to cut corners. After all, the probe will be going through high-level disinfection; so what if a little soil is left on the probe? That little bit of soil can mean the difference between a successful TEE procedure and one where a patient contracts an HAI.
That's why the enzymatic products you choose for bedside cleaning and cleaning are so vital. Cut corners here and you may be paying for it down the line. Instead, invest in products you know will help you get the job done quickly and efficiently the first time. CS Medical has formulated several enzymatic solutions to get the job done, whether your facility has fully automated the reprocessing procedure, partly automated it, or if you're still doing it all by hand.
TEEZyme Sponge
The first step to consider when reprocessing TEE probes is bedside cleaning, sometimes called point of use cleaning. TEEZyme® TEE Probe Enzymatic Sponges are specially shaped to carefully cradle the TEE probe's shaft and disperse an enzymatic detergent evenly over the insertion tube's surface.
TEEZyme sponges come pre-saturated with an enzymatic detergent which is a science-based solution that has been specifically crafted to break down bio burden. That means blood, carbohydrates, protein, polysaccharides, fats, oils, uric acid, and other nitrogenous compounds don't stand a chance of forming biofilm as long as the insertion tube remains moistened with this detergent. This is critically important for the reprocessing procedure because once biofilm forms, it can be nearly impossible to remove without damaging the surface of the TEE probe's shaft.
TEEZyme Cleaner
After thoroughly rinsing off any detergent left by the TEEZyme sponge, the next step is cleaning the TEE probe. This step further breaks down any remaining blood, protein, mucus, or vomit that the TEEZyme sponge may have left behind. This step can be performed in one of two ways: either automatically in a TEE probe cleaner disinfector or manually in a tub or sink. Depending on your facility's method for the cleaning step, CS Medical has a different enzymatic cleaner for your needs.
For those employing a TEEClean® Automated TEE Probe Cleaner Disinfector, the right solution for the cleaning step is TEEZyme for TEEClean. A single bottle you simply load into your TEEClean and TEEClean will take care of the rest. If your facility is still manually cleaning TEE probes before high-level disinfection, the product for you is TEEZymeMC. TEEZymeMC is a more traditional cleaner that is to be used in a sink or basin to soak TEE probes.
Both of these TEEZyme products are dual enzymatic cleaners and are a formulation of protease and amylase enzymes, with buffers and non-ionic detergents. These are both pH neutral, are non-abrasive, free rinsing, and biodegradable. This means they will get your TEE probe clean and ready for high-level disinfection without corroding the probe's delicate insertion tube or distal tip.
Once a TEE probe has undergone bedside cleaning and cleaning, it is finally ready for high-level disinfection. Without these cleaning steps, high-level disinfection would be ineffective against the soil left from the procedure and would fail to properly disinfect the TEE probe's insertion tube. No matter how your facility handles the reprocessing procedure, CS Medical has the right enzymatic product to help make your job easier and more effective.
