4 2 S U P P L E M E N T T O O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E M A Y 2 0 1 7
1. Test and retest
The work begins even before you
select a brand of containers for use
in your facility. A key question: Is
the brand you're considering com-
patible with your sterilization equip-
ment? Some containers are meant
only for steam sterilization, for
example. When you've narrowed
the field, ask vendors to send sam-
ples of their models. The manufac-
turers will have validated these sam-
ples, but you'll want to verify that each device is acceptable for use through
your own product testing.
You want to create a challenging scenario to see which containers are con-
ducive to the most effective sterilization. Here's how. Place both biological indi-
cators and class 5 chemical indicators in each container you want to test. Ask
the manufacturer to identify which parts of their containers are most resistant to
sterilization and place the indicators in those locations (typically, that will be the
corners). Mark each indicator based on where it's placed in the container ("UL"
for upper left and "LR" for lower right, for example). Next, load each container
into the sterilizer in the most challenging location, such as above the sterilizer's
drain. Be sure to mark each container sample as a test case to ensure it never
ends up in an OR. After you've selected a brand and made a purchase, you'll
want to continue this testing yearly to ensure containers remain validated for
use.
2. Clean correctly
Some staff members falsely assume containers that are taken to the OR and
removed before the patient arrives can be used again without being cleaned.
• LOW DENSITY Place sterilization indicators in challenging areas within
containers to ensure cycles meet critical variables.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR