CS CONNECTION
an absorbent swab on a flexible wand that allows for easy maneu- vering through complex internal channels of scopes and cannulated instruments to verify the presence of contaminants left after cleaning. Test InstruSponge is used in conjunction with the ATP Complete Handheld Unit and Test Swabs to give an accurate numerical mea- sure of bioburden present.
Now that it’s clean is it sterile? Once the CS/SPD has confirmed the cleanliness of instruments, the instruments are then assembled and packaged for the next critical sterilization reprocessing step, sterilization. Monitoring the effectiveness of the sterilization process is equally important to ensuring patient safety.
Sterile every step of the way
3M offers what the company calls its “Core Four” group of products, and when used together can help assure the efficacy of the steam sterilization process. They include: 1. Equipment monitoring: The 3M Comply Bowie-Dick Plus Test Pack enables CS/SPD staff to determine whether or not their sterilizer is doing its job properly. They can use the test to monitor vacuum-assisted steam sterilizers for air leaks, inadequate air removal, inadequate steam penetration and the presence of non-condensable gases, any of which can compromise sterility.
2. Load monitoring: The 3M Attest Super Rapid 5 Steam- Plus Challenge Pack and 3M Attest Rapid 5 Steam-Plus
Test Pack include biological indicators (BI) to detect the actual killing of microbial spores inside the sterilizer. If all spores die inside the BI, the CS/SPD staff members have assurance that other infectious organisms have also likely been killed inside the sterilizer. As a best practice and to provide optimal patient safety, 3M recommends that every sterilization load be monitored with a biological indicator. 3. Pack monitoring: The 3M Comply (SteriGage) Steam Chemical Integrator (AAMI Class 5) internal pack monitoring verifies that the sterilant has penetrated to the point of placement of the chemical indicator in the pack and confirms that specific exposure conditions have been met. 4. Exposure monitoring: 3M Comply Steam Indicator Tapes provide a way for sterilizer operators to know at a glance whether packs have been exposed to the sterilization process. It assures the operator handling the processed items that the pack has been exposed to the sterilization process without the need to open the pack or check Load Control records.
Sterilize faster One way to address the need to turn around instruments faster and safer is to build efficiency into the steriliza- tion process. Innovative Sterilization Technologies (IST) has done this with the development of its ONE TRAY terminal sterilization container, which provides significant reductions in the length of sterilization cycles
3M’s Core Four See CS CONNECTION on page 28
Contract Management • Spend Analytics • Purchasing Power • Bottom-Line Savings • Free Membership • National Contracts
As an owner of Premier healthcare alliance, one of the largest buying groups in the country, CHAMPS Group Purchasing sponsors its members allowing them access to more than $40 billion in purchasing volume, 2,000+ agreements, GPO contract management and unparalleled customer service. Access significant savings in product categories, including —
Group Purchasing Supply Chain Specialists
Saving members $30 million every year.
Medical Supplies
Business Supplies
Foodservice Distribution
Information Technology
champsgpo.com 877.476.1777 Group Purchasing
CHAMPS is an owner of Premier healthcare alliance, one of the largest buying groups in the country.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56