In Perioperative theatre technology, a technician should be able to effectively care for his tools of work,there by the knowledge on storage is paramount.
definition Operating room (OR) instruments are stored in cabinets and shelving units in a sterile environment. The storage area should be clean and well-ventilated to prevent contamination.
Storage requirements Temperature : Keep the storage temperature below 75°F Humidity : Keep the humidity below 70% Cleanliness : Keep the storage area clean with daily maintenance Air circulation : Allow adequate space around sterile materials for air circulation Shelving : Store heavy instrument trays on middle shelves for ease of handling
Cabinet types Pass-through cabinets : Have doors on both sides for easy transfer of instruments Shelving units : Have multiple shelves for organized storage Customizable cabinets : Can be tailored to fit the specific needs of a facility Built-in sterilization cabinets : Have a built-in autoclave or sterilization unit
Instrument care Check instruments before putting them away for damage, rust, and sharpness Dry instruments thoroughly to minimize the risk of corrosion and water spots Store instruments in dry areas
Sterile items should be stored at least 8″-10″ above the floor and 18″ below ceiling or level of sprinklers. Items should be positioned so packaging is not crushed, bent, compressed, or punctured. Heavy instrument trays should be stored on middle shelves for ease of handling, but not stacked.
definition In an operation theatre, storage methods prioritize strict aseptic techniques to prevent infection, utilizing dedicated storage areas with specific structures like sterile cabinets, instrument trays, and designated shelves, all designed to maintain sterility through proper cleaning, labeling, and rotation of medical supplies, while following strict protocols for handling and accessing equipment during surgery; key techniques include dedicated storage zones, proper labeling, regular sterilization, and controlled access to sterile areas.
Storage zoning Sterile zone: The core area where sterile instruments and supplies are kept, with restricted access and controlled air flow. Clean zone: Area for preparing sterile supplies, with high hygiene standards. Non-sterile zone: Storage for non-sterile items like patient records or personal belongings.
Storage structures Sterile cabinets: Sealed cabinets with UV light to maintain sterility. Instrument trays: Dedicated trays for specific surgical sets, clearly labeled and color-coded. Shelving systems: Designed for easy access and organization, with designated areas for different types of supplies. Storage carts: Mobile carts for transporting sterile supplies to the operating field.
Storage technique Aseptic technique: Strict protocols to prevent contamination, including hand hygiene, gowning, gloving, and proper handling of sterile items. Labeling: Clear and accurate labeling of all medical supplies with expiry dates. Rotation: Following a "first in, first out" system to ensure the oldest supplies are used first. Sterilization: Regular sterilization of all reusable medical devices using appropriate methods like autoclaving or chemical sterilization.
Important considerations Environmental control: Maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity levels in storage areas. Access control: Limiting access to sterile zones only to authorized personnel. Inventory management: Regularly monitoring stock levels to avoid shortages. Cleaning protocols: Routine cleaning and disinfection of storage surfaces.
Maintaining operation theatre instrument storage records
definition Maintaining operation theatre instrument storage records involves documenting details about each surgical instrument, including its location, sterilization status, inspection dates, cleaning history, and any repairs or replacements, ensuring proper tracking and accountability to maintain a sterile environment and comply with healthcare regulations.
Instrument inventory D etailed listing: Create a comprehensive list of all surgical instruments, including unique identification numbers, type, manufacturer, and specific features. Regular audits: Conduct periodic checks to verify the accuracy of the inventory, noting any missing or damaged instruments.
STORAGE INFORMATION Dedicated storage areas: Assign designated storage locations for different instrument sets based on surgical specialty. Labeling: Clearly label all instrument trays and containers with the instrument set name, sterilization date, and expiry date.
STERILIZATION TRACKING Date of sterilization: Record the date each instrument set is sterilized, including the method used (autoclave, ethylene oxide, etc.). Sterilization expiry date: Note the expiry date of sterilization to ensure timely reprocessing
INSPECTION RECORDS Pre-operative checks: Document pre-operative inspections of instruments, noting any defects or damage. Maintenance log: Keep a record of cleaning and maintenance activities performed on instruments, including cleaning solutions used and cleaning personnel.
REPAIR AND REPLACEMENTS Repair documentation: Document any repairs required, including the date, reason for repair, and details of the repair process. Replacement tracking: Record when an instrument is replaced due to damage or wear and tear, including the new instrument's details.
RECORD KEEPING BEST PRACTICES Electronic system: Utilize a computerized system to manage instrument records for easier access, data analysis, and reporting. Standard format: Use a standardized form to record instrument information consistently across the operating theatre. Regular review: Regularly review and update instrument records to ensure accuracy and compliance with healthcare regulations.
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS Staff training: Ensure all staff involved in instrument handling are adequately trained on proper storage, cleaning, sterilization, and record-keeping procedures. Compliance with guidelines: Adhere to established healthcare guidelines regarding instrument sterilization, inspection, and maintenance