with individual RF
identification tags as
well as a wand
device, which is
passed over the
patient and signals an
alert when it detects a
sponge.
While there's a clear
advantage to being
able to physically
locate a missing
sponge, both systems provide some solid protection from facilities'
greatest barrier in preventing retained objects: human error.
Counting on the count
Of course, when it comes to preventing retained items, the key word
in AORN's recommendations for technology usage is "adjunct." That
means technology should be added on to an already robust manual
counting process. And what constitutes a robust counting process?
"It should be standardized, and it should be repeatable each and
every time," says Denice Morrison, MSN, RN-BC, CNOR, the peri-
operative education coordinator at North Kansas City (Mo.)
Hospital.
Ms. Morrison's facility relies on a sponge counter bag, requiring that
all sponges that will be used in a case are placed in one of the clear,
individual pouches. When surgeons remove sponges from the surgical
cavity, each sponge is returned to one of the pouches. If a pouch is
empty, a sponge is missing. To ensure standardization (and accuracy),
North Kansas City Hospital regulates exactly how those sponges are
3 8 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • O C T O B E R 2 0 1 9
• CHECK UP Audit staff on a regular basis to ensure they comply with your facility's
count protocols.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
