CS CONNECTION


possible through dual-sided sterilization, addresses concerns regarding quality and safety.


In a three-zone department there are three physically distinct zones – decontamination, clean work and sterile storage – con- nected via pass-thru equipment, Bransby explains. In this configuration assembled trays pass through steam andor low temperature sterilizers, much like soiled instruments pass through washers, from clean work into sterile storage. He notes how such ow and compartmentaliation is common practice in clean manufacturing environments as well as in uropean CSSDs. “lacing a physical barrier between clean and sterile material is a form of mistake proofing or poka-yoke as Lean practitioners call it, which prevents inad- vertent distribution of non-sterile trays to the OR,” said Bransby. “In a three-zone department, assembled trays can only enter storage after sterilization occurs (or a staff member intentionally transports it there. Such ow also improves work- flow and performance by eliminating processes and procedures required to identify sterile and non-sterile material in and around traditional, single-sided sterilizers. The primary challenge associ- ated with implementing three-one ow is space. The simple fact of the matter is that dual-sided sterilization equipment requires more space to load and unload than their single-sided siblings.” Travis Tingle S  CCST Direc-


Derrick Bransby


AMSCO 600 Steam Sterilizer from STERIS


Page 36


tor of Sterile rocessing at ouston Methodist Hospital, which operates both two- and three-one CSSDs com- ments on why he prefers the three-zone approach. “hysical separation of dirty clean and sterile material ensures alignment between workflows, regulations, and guidelines,” said Tingle. “It forces com- pliance and improves patient safety. During an audit its easy to show oint Commission or CS your workows and know they are compliant. ts intuitive. oreover it makes sense to non-CSSD staff. In a three-zone department, if some- one from the OR pulls a tray from storage, then you can be pretty confident that tray has been sterilized. It works out for everyone. The workow is better regula- tions are covered, and staff have a clear understanding of what to expect based on location within the department.”


Space & time saving sterilization or those CSSDs that cannot build a completely new department, maximizing existing space is critical, particularly as instrument reprocessing volume continues to rise eplains Samuel atkins CCS Director of arketing T STS.


hpnonline.com • HEALTHCARE PURCHASING NEWS • September 2020 35


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