Medical Device Cleaning – Automated Machine Detergent
Q. We are looking to use Liquinox in an automated cleaning machine. The cleaner would be agitated ultrasonically and pumped to/from the storage tank by magnetic drive pumps. We are worried that the Liquinox will foam during the transfer by pump. Is this a valid concern? If so, is there an alternative cleaner that we could use in place of the Liquinox?
Chemical Resistance and Alconox
Q. Have you evaluated effects of Alconox on metals, elastomers, thermoplastics, and rubbers? Do you have a chemical resistance table/chart for Alconox? Thanks.
A. Alconox is compatible with a wide range of metals and plastics. You can contact cleaning@alconox.com to receive a copy of the current chemical compatibility spreadsheet. In general Alconox can be used to clean stainless steel, polyethylene, polypropylene, synthetic rubber, and PEEK.
Etching with Citrajet?
Q. My system has the following materials in it: CPVC, stainless steel, cast iron and copper; should I expect an 8% Citrajet solution to etch any of these materials?
A. No etching will occur on CPVC, Stainless Steel, cast iron and copper from 8% Citrajet. Cast iron might rust in the rinse water, especially if you use hot rinse water. Use water below 120 deg F to rinse cast iron and then dry quickly by removing rather than evaporating water if possible. (remove with a solvent, forced air/gas, or wipe).
Medical Cleaning: Liquinox vs. Dawn
Q. Does Liquinox have the same oil removing power of Dawn detergent? Will Liquinox remove glycol ether residue?
A. Yes, both Liquinox and Dawn contain a blend of nonionic and anionic surfactants. Certain oils are best cleaned by detergents that have mixed micelles of anionic and nonionic surfactants.
Reprocessing Single Use Medical Devices
Single use medical devices cannot be re-used without FDA compliant reprocessing procedures. Essentially reprocessing a single use device constitutes manufacturing it which requires compliance with FDA medical device manufacturing regulations. Appropriate cleaners must be chosen and cleaning validations done.
Alconox, Inc. cleaners can be used for medical device reprocessing cleaning. Alconox provides technical bulletins, books, and support for the use and validation of their cleaners, such as this Medical Device Whitepaper and Guidebook and our Medical Device Cleaning Validation References PDF.