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I N F E C T I O N
P R E V E N T I O N
• Washing processes. Getting a grip on washing means ensuring that
water temperature, amount of enzymatic solution and washing procedures are all correct. We take water temperatures before washing
begins. There's a line in the sink that corresponds to the precise volume of water needed to accommodate 1 pump of the enzymatic. And
washing recommendations are easily accessible for each of our instruments that requires specialized treatment.
• Temperature inside the autoclave. If the autoclave doesn't reach the
correct internal temperature during a cycle, or that heat doesn't get
into the trays loaded into the sterilizer, your instruments are compromised. Like everyone else, we use biologic and chemical indicators to
verify that sterilization has occurred. We also document the results for
every load for every sterilizer. For example, for sterilizer 1, the daily
record will show the results for 4 loads. We record the type of indicator and its results, along with the contents of each load (for example,
"Spine Tray #2," "Carpal Tunnel #3XL" and "Anterior Cervical #2").
The SPD logs this information and signs off with their initials after
each sterilizer load.
This lets us create a day-by-day verification record for every sterilizer that cross-references load numbers and tray types. In addition, if
we see an uptick in flash cycles or earlier-than-planned releases of
instruments, I'll see that as part of my monthly review of the record.
That indicates that we need to address an issue in either SPD or the
OR.
• Manufacturer
ON THE WEB
specifications. I'm
Infection Prevention Policies for Company Reps
not sure whether
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instruments are
Center's guidelines for company reps to abide by when visiting.
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J U N E 2013 | 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
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