Hygiene for Sharps Play
Cleaning: “Removal of visible soil (e.g., organic and inorganic material) from objects and surfaces and normally is accomplished manually or mechanically using water with detergents or enzymatic products. Thorough cleaning is essential before high-level disinfection and sterilization because inorganic and organic materials that remain on the surfaces of instruments interfere with the effectiveness of these processes.” (CDC Guidelines 2008) - TLDR; Does kill anything, only removes debris.
Sanitizing: “Sanitizing kills bacteria on surfaces using chemicals. It is not intended to kill viruses.” (EPA) - TLDR; Kills bacteria, not viruses or bacterial spores.
Disinfecting: “Eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms, except bacterial spores, on inanimate objects.” “Unlike sterilization, disinfection is not sporicidal.” (CDC Guidelines 2008) When we disinfect human beings this is referred to as “antiseptic”. - TLDR; Kills bacteria & viruses, not bacterial spores.
Sterilizing: “Destroys or eliminates all forms of microbial life.” (CDC Guidelines 2008) - TLDR; Kills bacteria, viruses, and bacterial spores.
Handwashing
One of the most important hygienic measures we can practice not only for sharps play, but in our every day lives is proper handwashing.
A couple of notes on handwashing:
The temperature of the water used when washing your hands is irrelevant to the outcome. In order for water to be hot enough for it to kill pathogens the water would be far too hot for you to safely wash your hands with it. Use warm water if that is your preference but soap and cold water will get your hands just as clean.
Antibacterial soap is not necessary either. Studies show the efficacy of antibacterial soap in handwashing is negligible, and it’s use may contribute to antibiotics resistance.
The single most important factor to the efficacy of your handwashing is the length of your scrub, 20 seconds minimum is a safe baseline for effective handwashing.
Infection Control
Infection prevention and control in sharps play is a process that starts during the negotiation and continues until the wounds created via play are completely healed. To simplify this process, we can separate it into three distinct stages we can focus on.
Scene Prep: Includes sterilization of appropriate equipment pre-scene, setting up equipment for the scene for optimal efficiency and cleanliness, and effective skin prep just prior to piercing of the skin.
Scene Conditions: Maintenance of clean conditions during play, maintaining wound cleanliness during play, avoiding cross-contamination via glove change regiment and safe sharps handling.
Post-Scene Hygiene: Appropriate post-scene first aid, post-scene wound maintenance for infection prevention, proper disposal of biohazardous waste and used sharps.