11.6.8.1 General
All medical devices shall be dried before manual disinfection or sterilization.
Notes:
1) Non-critical medical devices that are wiped with a low/intermediate level disinfectant do not need to be dried following application.
2) Water can dilute the action of the chemical disinfectant, and the presence of moisture during the beginning stages of many low-temperature sterilization processes could cause cycle cancellations.
3) Drying also helps to prevent corrosion of certain materials such as stainless steel.
4) New automated drying methods are available.
11.6.8.2 Drying
Medical devices stored without packaging shall be dried in accordance with the MIFUs to prevent microbial growth and materials deterioration.
Unless dried using an automated process, external surfaces of medical devices shall be manually dried with a clean, low-linting absorbent cloth, compatible with medical devices.
If a reusable cloth, laundering shall meet Clause 8.
Drying cloths shall not leach dyes, colours, or leave lint on a medical device.
Unless prohibited by the MIFUs, lumens should be dried with dry and oilless instrument air.
When drying lumens with instrument air, precautions shall be taken to minimize and control aerosolization (e.g., by placing a clean towel around the distal end of the lumen).
Drying of non-critical medical devices should be performed by air-drying or other approved methods.
