PRESENTATION
ON
PREPARATION OF CHLORINE SOLUTION
AND
PROCESSING OF INSTRUMENTS
BY
VIDA KORMISAH
, OBJECTIVES
By the end of this presentation, colleagues should be able to:
1. Define chlorine solution and its purpose in healthcare settings.
2. Describe the different concentrations of chlorine used for disinfection.
3. Demonstrate the correct preparation of chlorine solution.
4. Explain the steps in processing medical instruments.
5. Understand safety precautions during preparation and instrument handling.
INTRODUCTION
Infection prevention and control (IPC) is a fundamental component of healthcare
Instrument processing is a fundamental component of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC)
within healthcare and laboratory settings. It is defined as the systematic procedure of cleaning,
disinfecting, and sterilizing medical instruments after use to ensure they are free from
contaminants and safe for reuse (Ghana Ministry of Health [MOH], 2015). The primary purpose
of this protocol is to prevent the transmission of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs),
maintain high standards of hygiene, and ensure the safety of both patients and healthcare
providers (Potter et al., 2021).
In clinical practice, chlorine (specifically Sodium Hypochlorite) is considered the "gold
standard" for disinfection. The standard concentration used for initial decontamination is 0.5%
active chlorine. Because chlorine is a powerful oxidising agent, the solution must be prepared in
the correct proportions and calculated accurately. A solution that is too weak will fail to kill
pathogens, while a solution that is too concentrated can damage expensive medical equipment or
harm staff.
For safety and effectiveness, the following principles must be followed during preparation and
use:
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Appropriate PPE, including utility gloves, a
protective apron, and eye protection, must always be worn as chlorine is corrosive and irritating
to the skin and respiratory system.
• Equipment Selection: Always use plastic containers for mixing and soaking, as chlorine