Abstract: Objective: To investigate the problems existing in cleaning of phacoemulsification handle and propose some suggestions for improvement. Methods: A questionnaire was used from June to October 2021 to investigate the current situation of phacoemulsification handle cleaning management in 64 hospitals. Results: Management system: 25.0% (n=16) of the hospitals did not establish standardized operation procedures for phacoemulsification handles, and the utilization rate of surgical instrument traceability system in secondary hospitals was lower than that in tertiary hospitals (P=0.004). Recovery and transfer: The protection of phacoemulsification handles in secondary hospitals was weaker than that in tertiary hospitals (P1=0.033, P2<0.001). Cleaning equipment configuration: Only 12.5% (n=8) hospitals were equipped with cleaning machines suitable for phacoemulsification handles. Random inspection and monitoring of cleaning quality: Only 78.1% (n=50) hospitals checked the cleaning quality of phacoemulsification handles, of which the utilization rate of quantitative testing method was only 48.0% (n=24). The sampling monitoring frequency of 42.0% (n=21) hospitals did not meet the regulations, and 44.0% (n=22) hospitals did not have a comprehensive monitoring site. Personnel training: 25.0% (n=16) of the hospitals did not train the cleaning staff in specialized theoretical knowledge. Conclusion: There are still many problems in the management of ultrasonic emulsification handle cleaning, such as imperfect system construction, insufficient protection of ultrasonic emulsification handle function in secondary hospitals during recovery and transfer, low configuration rate of special cleaning machine, non-standard sampling and monitoring of cleaning quality, and inadequate training of ophthalmological cleaning personnel. It is suggested that the relevant departments should further improve the system, standardize the process and strengthen personnel training so as to improve the cleaning management quality of phacoemulsification handle.

Key words: phacoemulsification handle; ophthalmic surgical instruments; intraocular instrument; cleaning