HSPA

Sterile processing (SP) professionals strive to serve their customers and patients well, reviewing and applying standards, guidelines and manufacturers’ instructions for use (IFU) and seeking the best solutions for optimal outcomes. Despite those valiant efforts, SP leaders aren’t always preparing their technicians for success in their many vital roles, and technicians may also struggle to recognize where more growth and knowledge are needed to better meet the needs and goals of their department and customers. 

During initial training, sterile processing (SP) technicians become aware of chemical indicators (CIs). They may see them in a package to be sterilized or one that has already undergone sterilization. It is crucial that CIs are understood, used and interpreted correctly (there is more to it than just seeing a color change).

The Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) released a new technical information report (TIR) to guide healthcare facilities on the safe external transport of medical devices.

Workplace conflict and communication breakdown within and across healthcare departments is a common occurrence that must be managed promptly and properly. Allowing conflict to fester will erode trust, collaboration and job satisfaction and, above all, can contribute to negative outcomes that affect patient care. 

The Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) has revised its Guideline for Sterilization Packaging Systems, which provides guidance for evaluating, selecting and using sterilization packaging systems, and packaging items to be sterilized for subsequent use in surgical and other invasive procedures. This article summarizes some of the significant changes regarding peel pouch use and package preparation. 

The guideline provides recommendation for sterilizing reusable medical devices for use in perioperative and procedural settings. The updated document reminds readers that sterility can be achieved with a variety of physical or chemical processes. The selection of the sterilization method depends on a number of factors, including device design, material, packaging, sterilant compatibility, load limitations, safety requirements, and organization-specific considerations.