Whether the items are loaned or owned, current guidelines require
scientific validation to ensure the weight, density and tray configura-
tion are appropriate for sterilization within the sterilization container.
Orthopedic sets with multiple heavy instruments and multi-levels of
implants are of concern due to their complexity.
Do your research
Brush up on studies that compare using sterilization wrap to rigid
containment systems. Decide what you hope container systems will
solve for you (tears in wrappers, space savings, decreased waste dis-
posal) and compare it to the cost of purchase, maintenance and
increased workload for decontamination staff.
OSM
J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 9 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 1 0 3
Ms. Eder (sheryl.eder@va.gov) is the assistant chief nurse of specialty care and
sterile processing service in Bay Pines, Fla. She also serves as education chair for
AORN Sterile Processing and Supply Chain Management Specialty Assembly and
as the field advisor for sterilization for Hope International Ministries.