4. rigid
containers
are easy to
transport.
Containers with
handles tend to
be easier to
transport, and
covered contain-
ers also provide
an easy way to move instruments back from the OR. Anything that's
contaminated or has bioburden should be covered during transport.
Most ORs don't have dumbwaiters, so they're still moving contaminat-
ed instruments through public hallways at times. You shouldn't be
exposing staff and other patients to potential bloodborne contami-
nants. Containers are a great barrier to microorganisms. Note, howev-
er, that some manufacturers say their containers aren't designed for
transporting contaminated instruments.
5. rigid containers are better for the environ-
ment. Though blue wrap can be recycled, it's not always a conven-
ient or available option. The amount of waste generated by healthcare
facilities is estimated to be as much as 4 billion pounds, much of
which is generated in the OR and consists of packaging and dispos-
able supplies.
6. rigid containers aren't susceptible to com-
pression. The weight of instruments wrapped in blue wrap and
stacked on top of each other can create air pockets and holes.
Compression can compromise sterility. That's not going to be a prob-
lem when you stack rigid containers.
9 0
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 | February 2015
z BUILT TO LAST Evidence increasingly suggests that rigid
containers do a better job of protecting delicate instruments.
Pamela
bevelhymer,
rN,
bSN
