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One-way flow: dirty to clean
Also called: workflow, dirty side, clean side
Instruments move in one direction, from dirty to clean, and never backward.
CDC describes four sections in an instrument processing area: receiving, cleaning and decontamination; preparation and packaging; sterilization; and storage. Ideally walls or partitions separate them. If they cannot, enough space and good training keep clean items from getting contaminated. Instruments move one way through the sections.
How to spot it
- A dirty counter and sink with the ultrasonic, then a packaging counter, then the sterilizers, then closed storage cabinets.
What you do
- Never set a dirty tray on the clean side, and never put clean packs on the dirty counter.
- Remove your contaminated gloves before handling clean or sterile items.
Related
Sources: CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17)