M A R C H 2 0 1 7 O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T 2 5
ize instruments efficiently and effectively, and the
tools are returned to the ORs on time and ready for
use. Here are some points to consider if you're ready
to redesign or rebuild one of the most important areas
in your facility.
Keep the steps separate
There should be complete segregation between soiled,
clean and sterile items in order to cut down on the
human factor in process breakdown; it's much more
difficult to accidentally pull items from the wrong set
of instruments or cross contaminate tools when each
step of the reprocessing process is separated by physi-
cal barriers.
The first section of our sterile processing depart-
ment is the 4,000-square-foot decontamination area.
It's airy and spacious, which is a nice design feature
for reprocessing techs who might feel confined by
Reprocessing Room
• SHELF LIFE Sterilized instruments are kept
in a large storage area and color-coded
according to specialty for easy finding.
• ON THE SURFACE Ergonomically designed workstations are well organized
and free of clutter.
Mark
Voigt
