CS CONNECTION


STERISYSTEM, an end-to-end system addressing sterilization, storage and transport. “The unique system combines Halyard SMART-FOLD steriliza- tion wrap with Belintra’s stainless-steel instrument trays and trans- port shelves,” said Hannibal. “Halyard SMART-FOLD Sterilization Wrap is three times more tear-resistant than conventional wrap.1 The wrap also features two contrasting layers that are bonded together for uick and easy breach identification. elintras trays and shelves improve efficiency and organiation by eliminating the need for stacking, further reducing the chance for tears, cuts and holes in the wrap.” “The SMART-FOLD STERISYSTEM addresses challenges and provides benefits throughout the entire steriliation workow” Hannibal added. “Safety-wise, the system reduces touchpoints to two, in line with the AAMI standard 79 guideline recommenda- tion.”


Endoscope tracking


COVID-19 is placing increased pressure on healthcare facilities to ensure they are following every step, in the right order and on time amidst the high volumes of reprocessing and increasing pressures brought on by pandemic conditions, explains Melinda Benedict, MS, CIC, CFER, Senior Manager, Infection Pre- vention, Olympus Corporation of the Americas. Therefore, she says being able to track information about outbreaks is more important than ever. “Even more so, being able to identify or prevent potential breaches before they occur is a goal for which CS/SPD departments strive,” said Bene- dict. “Many are turning to digital technology to help bridge gaps being created by COVID-related restrictions. Some solutions are already available, such as Olym- pus nifia software for tracking endoscope use.” nifia not only provides real-time alerts in the event that an endoscope is not following the proper reprocessing protocol prior to reuse, but also collects historic data so that a user can be informed if the endoscope may need to be sent for servicing, based on the number of times it has been used. Eliminating the need for manual record keeping, the system records who carried out which task and when. For hospital or clinic management, the system pro- vides proof that reprocessing procedures were followed, while also enabling them to track and manage their assets more efficiently. Bayside Endoscopy Center in Providence, R.I. is a high-volume endoscopy center with six procedure rooms. Mike Paiva, Repro- cessing Supervisor and Lead Technician, describes how his team’s use of nifia has streamlined and improved endoscope tracking processes. “efore using nifia when we needed to report on the usage of


Melinda Benedict


our scopes, we had to comb through reams of paper records,” said Paiva. “Now we’re able to print records with a few keystrokes, and that’s a process that would have taken me up to a week before we had nifia. e now have the ability to track that scope from the cabinet to the procedure room, to the doctor, to the patient, making sure the pre-cleaning is done – to show it’s going into the sink, it’s going into the automated endoscope reprocessor (AER), coming out of the machine and being put back on the wall. We know who is handling it at every step, and if something goes wrong, we’re able to figure out very uickly what happened. Scopes are a big investment and knowing that they’re being properly used and maintained is important.” HPN


Reference:


1. Study comparing SMART-FOLD Sterilization Wrap to ONE-STEP Sterilization Wrap, Kurt Salmon and Associates, 2001. Comparing SMART-FOLD H650 Sterilization Wrap to ONE-STEP H600 Sterilization Wrap.


A CUT ABOVE


Before a surgeon can make that initial incision, skilled Sterile Processing professionals work hard to ensure each instrument is properly cleaned, well-functioning and sterilized.


We provide the widest range of certification, continuing education and support offerings available. We help keep these professionals sharp so they can keep the patient’s safety as their highest priority.


Visit www.iahcsmm.org to discover why over 34,000 members and certificants rely on IAHCSMM to stay a cut above the rest.


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  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62