Control of the efficiency of instrument-cleaning using real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction

Background: Inefficiently cleaned surgical instruments may cause the transfer of infections. The control of the efficieny of medical cleaning of reusable instruments is a challenge in every medical facility. Various control-methods have been developed over time. Here we present the use of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to evaluate the success of cleaning efforts of surgical instruments. Methods: Stainless steel surgical instruments were “contaminated” with defined synthetic Single-Stranded DNA (ssDNA) – containing solutions. After undergoing the cleaning process rests of the ssDNA were washed out of the ins…