In medical institutions, a prerequisite is the thorough processing of instruments, for which there is a certain technology and standards. In addition, there are methods that are designed to check the quality pre-sterilization cleaning tools. For example, an azopyram test, which is carried out in order to check the presence of dirt on the surfaces of residual blood contaminants, namely the presence of hemoglobin. In addition, this verification method allows you to find the remains of oxidizing agents, chlorine-based products, washing powder and rust.
What is Azopyram?
This is a reagent that is used to determine hidden traces of blood not only on the surface of medical instruments, but also on any products that have undergone pre-sterilization cleaning. If the preparation was carried out not entirely qualitatively, then these residues are detected.
Almost every person knows that any product that has had contact with the wound surface or blood, mucous membrane, and injectable preparations must undergo a sterilization procedure. It is Azopyram that can determine the quality of preparation for sterilization.
In addition, this reagent is used in medical laboratories for the diagnosis of occult bleeding during urinalysis and feces.
The composition of Azopyram includes:
- amidopyrine;
- aniline hydrochloride.
These substances are presented in isopropyl alcohol.
Solution preparation
Before conducting an azopyram test, you must first prepare a solution with this reagent. To do this, mix all the components of the reagent in the following proportions:
- amidopyrine - 100 g;
- hydrochloric acid analine - 1-1.5 g;
To the required volume (about 1 l) add ethyl alcohol of 95% concentration.
The resulting liquid is combined with a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide in equal proportions. This fluid is called a working solution. It is he who conducts the azopyram test, the technique of which is described below.
To prepare this tool is necessary immediately before the test. It must be used within two hours after mixing the components. If you ignore this rule and use a solution that has been stored for a long time, the reagent will change its color, and its effectiveness will be negligible. Moreover, at a temperature in the room where the reagent is stored above 25 degrees, it turns pink much faster.
It is worth remembering that moderate yellowing of this product during storage is allowed, however, if there is no precipitate.
How to check the suitability of the solution?
With long-term storage of the drug, there is a need to test its suitability before direct use. Before making an azopyramic test on the surface, 2-3 drops of the solution are applied to the blood spot. If within 60 seconds it turns purple, which gradually turns blue, we can safely say that the reagent is fully usable. If within 1 minute violet staining does not occur, then such a solution cannot be used, since it will not show the correct result.
Azopyram test: execution technique
To conduct the test, the test surface (must be smooth) must be wiped with a cloth, which is previously moistened in the Azopyram working solution.If the product that is being investigated has some notches or roughness, the product is used in the form of a drop (about 2-3 drops of the working solution). This is necessary so that the tool passes through all the channels and joints of the parts of the investigated product.
After applying the product to the surface, wait about 1 minute. During this time, the solution is allowed to drain onto a clean white napkin (this condition is one of the most important), on the spots on which it is concluded. The result, which is obtained after 1 minute, has no diagnostic value, which means it is not taken into account.
Azoramovy test for testing needles, catheters, syringes is carried out as follows:
- a working solution (with hydrogen peroxide) is drawn into the syringe;
- several times it is necessary to move the piston, which will completely wet the surface inside the syringe;
- leave the reagent for 30-50 seconds;
- after this time, displace the solution on cotton or a white cloth.
On spots on a napkin or cotton wool and draw conclusions about the presence of contamination.
Azopyram test: evaluation of the result
If there are traces of blood on the surface of the test product, after 1 minute a violet color will appear, which after a few seconds turns into pinkish-blue.
If the coloring has a brownish tint, then we can conclude that rust and chlorine-containing oxidizing agents are present on the surface. Pink color indicates the presence of detergents.
The basic rules of the test
Azopyram test, the algorithm of which is described above, can give a false result. To prevent this from happening, you must follow certain rules:
- Staining that occurs later than 1 minute after treatment is not taken into account when analyzing the results.
- The temperature of the products that are being tested should be room temperature. Hot samples are not allowed.
- It is forbidden to keep the working solution (with hydrogen peroxide) in bright light or in a room with a high temperature.
- The Azopyram working solution must be used within two hours, the preparation solution can be stored at room temperature for 1 month, and when kept in the refrigerator for 2 months. The container with the solution should be hermetically sealed, and the glass should be dark.
- After the test, the remaining solution must be removed regardless of the result. To do this, items need to be washed with water or wiped with a swab, which previously moisten with water or alcohol. After this, it is necessary to repeat the pre-sterilization treatment.
The results of all tests performed are recorded in a special logbook of quality control software. If the test showed contamination, the entire batch of tools should be re-processed.
