M A Y 2 0 1 7 O U T P A T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T 4 7
attached? It's important to spot
a container's integrity issues
before subjecting it to any steril-
ization modality.
5. Handle with care
Place containers flat in steriliz-
ers and never stack them
directly on top of one another
— a hand should fit between
each container. And never place them above any wrapped items in the same load,
as condensation can drip from the equipment. Consult the autoclave manufactur-
er's instructions for use for information regarding maximum poundage per load.
Before unloading rigid containers from sterilizers, make sure the containers
have reached room temperature. Some facilities are now relying on infrared
testers to determine the exact surface temperature of heated containers. If con-
tainers are at all wet at the time of removal, which can be the result of poor
steam quality or a sterilizer malfunction, you should reject the cycle.
6. Store and transport
Store rigid containers in a sterile environment 8 to 20 inches from the floor and
at least 18 inches below any sprinkler head. Place containers on storage shelves;
the bottom shelf should be solid. You can stack them, but don't place more than
a couple on top of each other. During transport, place containers on a closed cart
to protect their integrity, and the staff member doing the transporting should
move cautiously so that the cart's contents aren't knocked around. Upon arrival
in the OR, a member of the surgical team should inspect a container's integrity
before its contents are used.
OSM
Ms. Klacik (sklacik@yahoo.com)
is a sterilization consultant based
in Canfield, Ohio.
• SOLID BARRIER Manufacturers' instructions for use outline how to keep con-
tainers in good working order.
Pamela
Bevelhymer,
RN,
BSN,
CNOR
