Process Challenge Device
PCD with plant-based proteins
A process challenge device (PCD) is a key element in quality assurance, testing washed equipment in every CSSD. There are several PCDs on the market today, but Belimed has launched a unique PCD, which uses 100% plant-based test soil and has the same properties as blood-based PCDs. With this pioneering achievement, we have introduced an innovative and sustainable test. This PCD version is a unique family of new PCDs. It is reliable and cost-effective. The regular use of the Belimed Protect™ PCD PB will support you in verifying the result of washing cycles.
Why use a PCD device?
Why use a PCD device? PCDs are important and highly valuable tools for use by those responsible for verifying wash cycles. The PCD closely replicates dirty surgical instruments and, as the name suggests, helps users to identify whether the load has been properly cleaned. The daily use of Belimed Protect™ PCDs optimizes the verification of cleaning process performances. In addition to that, they are easy to use and easy to evaluate.
A new standard in cleaning verification
PCDs are invaluable devices in CSSDs. Belimed Protect™ PCD can be introduced into your process in three ways. The first type of use is when introducing the Belimed Protect™ PCD into your process or a new washer. We call this ’Cleaning Effectiveness Mapping’. This involves testing different locations in an automatic washer to evaluate the washer’s baseline cleaning performance and to identify the location with the poorest cleaning performance. The second use is for Process Verification, which is necessary whenever a change has been made to the washer, or when introducing a new chemical or wash cycle. The third use is Routine Process Monitoring. This involves testing the washers routinely according to local/national regulations and evaluating the results to ensure compliance with relevant contamination guidelines/limits.
PCD Products
All of our Process Challenge Devices are made of surgical-grade stainless steel tags inoculated with a 100% natural, plant-based test soil. It emulates soiled surgical instruments in a sustainable way.
Belimed Protect™ PCD PB AW
These tags are designed to support users during the verification of the wash cycles. Belimed Protect™ PCD PB AW tags contain plant-based protein test soil. The amount of soil on the tag simulates the soiling of an instrument that went through a normal pre-cleaning process. We always recommend starting your daily journey with the Automatic Washer (AW) variant tag, which is to be used with accompanying Belimed Protect™ devices.
Belimed Protect™ PB TPC
Total Process Control (TPC) tags support the user during the verification of the wash cycle as well. This is the tag with a higher amount of protein test soil. These tags simulate an instrument that only underwent minimal pre-cleaning.
Belimed Protect™ PCD Multi Block Basic
The use of the Belimed Protect™ PCD Multi Block Basic in combination with Belimed Protect™ PCD tags (PB AW or PB TPC) is the most comprehensive test design in the Belimed Protect™ PCD series. It consists of a specially designed holder that holds four Belimed Protect™ PCD tags (PB AW or PB TPC). Each of the four locations represents a unique challenge that mimics the most difficult areas to clean on surgical instruments. The tags are designed to fit in one orientation only, thus ensuring correct assembly every time. The three-dimensional cleaning assessment allows the user to inspect whether the narrow gap/box joint, bottom surface, top surface and angled vertical surface is clean.
Belimed Protect™ Starter Pack PCD PB AW
To make your journey swift and easy, we have prepared Starter Packs which consist of 20 Belimed Protect™ PCD PB AW tags and one Belimed Protect™ PCD Multi Block Basic. PCDs are valuable tools for verifying the results of the washing process..
Belimed Protect™ PCD Blue
Instruments typically get contaminated with microscopic fragments of tissue, body fluids, bacteria and viruses. Belimed Protect™ PCD Blue, which detects protein contamination, is designed specifically for use with Belimed Protect™ PCD PB tags. If proteins are present, the detection system colours them blue. This is an ideal addition to support the user to verify the results of the wash cycle as the test detects even the lowest quantities of protein residues on the tags.