Comparison of cleaning efficacy of vacuum boiling cleaning machine versus traditional cleaning technology for ophthalmic instruments

Objective To investigate the cleaning efficacy of decompression boiling washing machine for ophthalmic instruments. Methods The ophthalmic instruments cleaned by traditional method from July to December in 2016 and by decompression boiling cleaner from January to May in 2017 were selected. Cleaning efficacy, instrument loss and subjective satisfaction were compared between the two methods. Results Totally 9 121 pieces were cleaned by traditional method, and 10 183 pieces by decompression boiling clean. The pass rate of visual inspection for traditional cleaning method and vacuum boiling cleaning was 96.49% vs 99.50%(P=0.000); the pass rate of ATP bioluminescence detection for traditional cleaning method and vacuum boiling cleaning was 95.10%vs 99.00% (P=0.000). In terms of instrument loss and clinical satisfaction, vacuum boiling method was also superior to traditional method (instrument loss, 0.24% vs 0.86%, P=0.000; satisfaction, 95.83% vs 84.17%, P=0.003). Conclusion The vacuum boiling washer can improve the cleaning efficacy and efficiency, reduce instrument loss and improve clinical satisfaction, which is suitable for cleaning ophthalmic instruments.