Why Washer-Disinfectors Are Necessary

The sterilization process as a whole isn’t narrowed down to just sterilization. In fact that’s only one step in a whole cycle. Sterilizers cover only one portion of this cycle, and it’s actually not even one of the first steps involved. It’s towards the latter end of the process as a whole. The cycle goes like the image on the right, (credit: Countess of Chester Hospital)

1. Use
2. Transport
3. Cleaning
4. Disinfection
5. Inspection
6. Packaging
7. Sterilization
8. Transport
9. Storage
10. Then back to step 1

Each step is supremely important to the process. If any of these are done incorrectly, it could lead to problems down the line. But usually we focus a lot on sterilization because of autoclaves. However, there are other machines and products that are just as important as autoclaves in different steps of this cycle. In this article we’d like to talk about one kind of machine, and its importance in your practice. And hopefully by the end if you didn’t already, you’ll know why washer-disinfectors are necessary. 

What Are Washer-Disinfectors?

Before we get into why they’re necessary, we first need to understand what a washer-disinfector is. And it’s just as the name suggests. They’re machines made to be an alternative to manual cleaning t0 prepare reusable instruments for round 2. And they do this by a 3-step process with a cleaning phase, disinfection phase, and drying phase. The instruments are first rinsed and cleaned thoroughly with a cleaning agent. Then the machine uses high heat temperatures, sometimes as high as 90ºC, for a period of time that kills off any bacteria on the instruments. Then the machine dries everything internally while its HEPA filter ensures that nothing transmits onto the equipment during drying. 

Why Are They Important?

Besides ensuring clean instruments, one of the big reasons that these machines are so important is that they’re meant to replace manual cleaning. Manual cleaning isn’t necessarily bad, but with the human element thrown in, it’s all about consistency. One time it’s cleaned fast but not clean enough. Next time it’s cleaned properly but took too long to clean. And in the day and age we’re in with medical technology, something definitely had to change. And it did. Washer-disinfectors were made to produce consistent cleaning results in a consistent time-frame. Eliminating the worry that something isn’t clean enough in a timely manner. You don’t ned to worry when there’s a machine that’s literally programmed to clean something to standard in record time, right? 

They eliminate potential problems with high turnaround rates and quality cleaning with each cycle. So understanding why washer-disinfectors are necessary is something that every practice should know. 

A Great Example with SciCan

I’m sure by now, at least with us, you’re aware of SciCan. One of the best names in medical technology that we know to date. You’ve definitely seen their autoclaves before, but now they’ve got something that can help reinforce our topic of discussion. The necessity of washer-disinfectors is important. But having an example never hurts. With that, we’d like to talk briefly about the SciCan C61W G4 Washer-Disinfector. 

The SciCan HYDRIM C61W G4

If we’re talking about the washer-disinfectors being a replacement for manual cleaning, then let’s talk cycle times. And thankfully the SciCan Hydrim Statim C61W G4 has quite the turnaround. Every 40 minutes, the C61W G4 can clean up to 120 instruments, dry them and have them ready for the next phase. For ever 1 hour of manual cleaning done, the automatic washer goes through 9 procedural set-ups.

With these fast cycle times, you need an interface that can keep up. Thankfully, if you didn’t gather from the name, it’s powered by SciCan’s patented G4 technology. So that means it has a fast, user-friendly interface to navigate via a touchscreen. Not to mention:

• WiFi Connection
• Digital sharing and collection of cycle data. 
• 24/7 remote access to said data through multiple devices.
• Communication of data with staff members is now easier than ever.

SciCan’s Hydrim C61W G4 is definitely one of the fastest ways to blow manual cleaning out of the water. And a great way to ensure that your instruments get cleaned well and are ready for sterilization. We have SciCan’s Hydrim C61W G4 available here on our website as well. And if you have any questions, you can contact us or find us using the links below.