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I N F E C T I O N
P R E V E N T I O N
posable sharps, there's also a safety risk.
He also notes the importance of communication between the surgical staff and central sterile staff when something's not right. It's the
OR's responsibility to double-check the wrap, steam tape and indicators for sterility and to let central sterile know when device repairs
are needed.
6. You neglect required routines and maintenance.
"We have 1 rule to follow," says Ms. Chobin. "Not what the surgeon
tells us, but the manufacturer's instructions for use."
A mechanical washer must be loaded correctly, for instance, and
instrument trays cannot be stacked in it, even when a rushed schedule
is exerting pressure to turn around more instruments faster. "If this
means you have to buy more instruments, so be it," says Ms. Chobin.
Changing the enzymatic detergent water for soaking and the
water in an ultrasonic cleaner are other important routines. "The
old standard — change it when it's visibly soiled — would get you
in trouble now," she says, and advises you err on the side of overcaution.
7. Your staff can't alert you to problems.
A central sterile department that reprocesses 10,000 items a month
may see 3 or 4 of those items fail inspection. Putting 3 or 4 patients at
risk is too many failures, says Mr. Gonzales.
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O U T PAT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | M A R C H 2013
