O C T O B E R 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 3 5
T
here are still plenty of facility leaders who think a
methodical manual count is all that's needed to prevent
retained objects. The data certainly throws a wrench in
that argument. "More than 88% of retained sponges occur
when the count is reported as being correct," says
Victoria M. Steelman, PhD, RN, CNOR, FAAN, a patient safety expert
and associate professor at the University of Iowa College of Nursing
in Iowa City.
While a manual count process will always remain a critical part of
preventing retained objects like sponges (the item most commonly left
behind), needles and surgical instruments, there are plenty of com-
Jared Bilski | Senior Associate Editor
• UP TO CODE Scanning and tracking technologies give staff an assist in ensuring sponges are accounted for before the patient
leaves the OR.
Leave Nothing Behind
Combining scanning technology with a meticulous
manual count is your best defense against retained objects.
