the sterilizer, and putting it in its
proper place according to the
manufacturer's IFU? Surveyors
will review your sterilization logs.
They'll ask about physical, chemi-
cal and biological indicators.
5. Storage.
This is a significant
issue for ASCs, where space is often limited. Here are the most impor-
tant things to keep in mind:
• Don't store equipment near high-walkway-traffic areas where
passersby could contaminate them.
• Don't store equipment near air ducts where cold air will blow on it
and cause condensation to form on its surfaces.
• After sterilization, don't touch the instruments until they've cooled to
room temperature. (Heat will wick moisture from your fingers and con-
taminate the sets.) Surveyors will ask how you confirm instruments have
cooled. Using a temperature gun is a good option. It's not acceptable to
let instruments cool in the OR.
• Storage locations should have adequate lighting.
• The bottom shelf of a storage unit must be 8 inches to 10 inches
off the floor, so the floor can be properly cleaned. Cover the bottom
shelf with plastic lining to prevent water from splashing up when
mopping the floor. All shelves should be 2 inches from any outside
wall. Top shelves should be at least 18 inches from any ceiling fixture
to keep sprinkler heads clear in case of a fire.
• Don't crush, bend, compress or puncture any stored device.
Even though manufacturers tell users to not stack products that are
in blue wrap trays, many facilities do it due to a of a lack of storage
space. This could compromise sterility and is never acceptable.
A U G U S T 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 1 0 5
Inadequate inventory
of instruments is
not an acceptable
reason to flash.
