overlooked . Any time a vendor representative enters the department for education or support , it is prudent to ask about any important updates or changes they can share . If IFU have been updated but those changes weren ’ t received , be sure to ask for a copy of the revised material . If further guidance or clarification is needed , SP leaders can ask their vendor rep to provide targeted education to address concerns and ensure all technicians understand the recommendations .
To ensure that devices and equipment are used correctly and safely , manufacturers regularly update their IFU and , at times , may issue customer notifications to alert them to changes , concerns or other new information about their products . All devices being processed , regardless of how long they have been in use , may require changes to the way they are used and managed . Therefore , SP leaders must also ensure that technicians across all shifts have access to and understand all IFU updates — just as is necessary for the latest standards , guidelines and best practices .
Healthcare organizations are responsible for ensuring their patients receive the safest , highest quality care . Therefore , it is imperative that devices are managed and processed consistently according to each manufacturer ’ s current IFU . Patients expect clean , sterile , safe and well-functioning devices , and surgeons and other clinicians expect that instruments and equipment coming from the SPD will meet those critical expectations . SP professionals must always remember that when releasing a device or instrument set for use , they are essentially stating to their end users that the items are safe for patient use . Following IFU to the letter and seeking guidance from the manufacturer whenever any recommendations are unclear are among the best ways to ensure they are indeed safe .
David Taylor III , MSN , RN , CNOR , has served as a contributing author for the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association ( HSPA ) since 2019 . He is an independent hospital and ambulatory surgery center consultant and the principal of Resolute Advisory Group LLC , in San Antonio , Texas .
References
1 . Schultz , R . Scissor and Needle Holders 101 . PROCESS . January / February 2020 . Pp . 82-84 . HSPA .
2 . Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases ( NCEZID ), Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion ( DHQP ). A Rational Approach to Disinfection and Sterilization . https :// www . cdc . gov / infectioncontrol / guidelines / disinfection / rational-approach . html #:~: text = Spaulding % 20believed % 20the % 20nature % 20 of , in % 20use % 20of % 20the % 20items .
To ensure that devices and equipment are used correctly and safely , manufacturers regularly update their IFU and , at times , may issue customer notifications to alert them to changes , concerns or other new information about their products .”