they must be removed and replaced with a solid , appropriate storage solution .
One method we ’ ve seen gaining traction in SPDs across the country is processing loose instruments in peel packs and organizing them on a peg board or in plastic bins hung on a louvered wall system . Such systems can be quite effective , while consuming minimal space . The plastic bins come in numerous colors , allowing them to be color-coded to their loose instrument inventories and alphabetized for each surgical service line . When using such a system , I suggest identifying each item in the bin with a unique code for improved identification ( at minimum , consider adding a photo of the instrument , along with its name and description , manufacturer number or reorder number , and par level ). Providing this information can help with location finding and reordering .
This storage approach can help SP technicians more rapidly respond to emergency instrument needs . For example , if an instrument breaks or is dropped while in use during a procedure , the SPD can immediately replace it with a sterile one by simply plucking a peel-packed replacement device from a dedicated bin . Peel packs also protect instruments from contact with other devices , which further prevents instrument damage or dulling . For SPDs that choose this method , it is essential that their leaders develop a process for routine bin cleaning ( e . g ., weekly , biweekly and as needed ). This ensures the bins are kept clean and allows technicians to more easily inventory , inspect the peel packs for damage and restock as needed .
Whichever storage method an SPD used to manage loose instruments in inventory , it is important for supervisors and managers to maximize their employees ’ efficiency and throughput , while minimizing the number of tray defects and procedural delays and improving patient safety . Disorganized storage of loose devices can diminish productivity and service quality , contribute to lost or damaged instruments , cause procedural delays , and increase costs and time associated with set reprocessing when well-functioning replacement devices cannot be located readily .
A well-designed , standardized approach to storage and retrieval of loose instruments is vital to an SPD ’ s ability to provide quality service to procedural areas and to ensure that all devices are processed , well-functioning and available when needed .
David Taylor III , MSN , RN , CNOR , is an independent hospital and ambulatory surgery center consultant and the principal of Resolute Advisory Group LLC , in San Antonio , Texas . He has served as a contributing author for the Healthcare Sterile Processing Association ( HSPA ) since 2019 .
Kristina Pirollo-Ketchum , AA , CRCST , CHL , is interim leader for Novia Solutions .
Albert Huether , MBA , CRCST , is the sterile processing department director for Medical City Dallas .
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