1 4 • 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 8
Ideas Work
That
H
ere's a quick way
to confirm that
the lids on your
rigid sterilization contain-
ers that use round filters
are sealed tight. I call it the
"wiggle" test. Inspect the
retention pins on your con-
tainer lids after every use
to confirm a proper seal is
still possible once you've
put the filter retention
plate in place. If the reten-
tion pin is loose or bent,
the plate may still be able
to wiggle — even if you
hear the "click" of a reten-
tion plate locking into
place. If technicians find
this kind of damage, they
should take the container lid out of service immediately because the
sterile barrier is compromised.
Hank Balch, BS, MDiv, CRCST, CER, CIS, CHL
Beyond Clean Consulting
San Antonio, Texas
hank@beyondclean.net
NO SEAL, NO DEAL
Do Your Retention Plates Pass the 'Wiggle' Test?
• PINS + PLATES Inspect the retention pins on your rigid sterilization con-
tainer lids after every use to confirm a tight seal.
Beyond
Clean
Consulting