HEALTHCARE
PURCHASING EWSN SELF-STUDY SERIES
July 2022 The self-study lesson on this central service topic was developed by STERIS. The lessons are admin- istered by Endeavor Healthcare Media.
Earn CEUs After careful study of the lesson, complete the examination at the end of this section. Mail the completed test and scoring fee to Healthcare Purchasing News for grading. We will notify you if you have a passing score of 70% or higher, and you will receive a certifi cate of completion within 30 days. Previous lessons are available at
www.hpnonline.com.
Certifi cation The CBSPD (Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution) has pre-approved this in-service for one (1) contact hour for a period of fi ve (5) years from the date of original publication. Successful
completion of the lesson and post-test must be documented by facility management and those records maintained by the individual until recertifi cation is required. DO NOT SEND LESSON OR TEST TO CBSPD. For additional information regarding certifi cation, contact CBSPD - 148 Main Street, Suite C-1, Lebanon, NJ 08833 •
www.cbspd.net.
Sterilization wrap
Facts to help optimize selection and use by Jamie Zarembinski
T
oday is a hectic wrap day in the sterile processing department. Here’s the scene; the surgical schedule shows
that loaned sets are coming in for several cases, but they have arrived late and require a quick turnaround. The department also received a bunch of batteries that will need to be reprocessed. On top of all this, the operating rooms are calling again about pinholes, rips and tears they have discovered on their wrapped sets, which have caused the entire contents of the packs to be unus- able. eedless to say, the plan to fi nd a new sterilization wrap vendor could not have come at a better time!
HSPA (Healthcare Sterile Processing Asso- ciation,
https://myhspa.org) has pre-approved this in-service for 1.0 Continuing Education Credits for a period of three years, until June 3, 2025. The approval number for this lesson is STERIS-HPN 220306. For more information, direct any questions to Healthcare Purchasing News (941) 259-0832.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Describe the types and material properties of sterilization wraps
2. Name fi ve functional factors to consider that impact wrap performance
3. Discuss process-related variables that can impact sterilization wrap conversion
Sponsored by:
The wrap selection process Choosing a new wrap is simple, right? Just get some samples from the vendors, wrap and reprocess some typically challenging items, then send them to the OR for evalu- ation. But is this everything that needs to be considered before choosing the optimal wrap for a particular healthcare system? The Association for the Advancement of Medi- cal Instrumentation doesn’t think so. AAMI recommends a systematic process using a multidisciplinary team of individuals, and includes a review of: • Product performance • FDA clearance and legal status • Expert opinions • Standards and guidelines • Contribution to patient safety • Compatibility, safety, and environmental impact
• Results of documented product trials, if applicable1 Furthermore, AAMI recommends that the
trials performed at each facility confi rm the applicability of the chosen new product to that facility’s needs and desired results. For example, if the change in wrap vendor is being driven by moisture events (wet packs) the trial would include appropriate testing demonstrating the impact the new wrap has on moisture events in that facility.
Wrap options
Choosing a new wrap begins by reviewing all available wrap materials. Reusable woven
46 July 2022 • HEALTHCARE PURCHASING NEWS •
hpnonline.com
wrap consists of many threads interwoven to make a tight weave. One example is muslin sterilization wrap, a lightweight, loose weave, high-thread-count woven cotton fabric. The loose weave gives muslin a lot of fl eibility, and the high fi ber count enhances its durability. These reusable sheets are both puncture and cut-resistant, benefits that helped them become the sterilization wrap standard of care for many years. Today’s woven wraps are typically composed of sev- eral types of fi ber, such as cotton, polyester, and carbon fi ber, to create a water-resistant yet pliable sheet. If reusable woven wrap is being consid- ered, AAMI recommends that facilities have a means to track the number of launderings and sterilization cycles each piece of wrap has undergone. Facilities should also have procedures in place for inspecting and mend- ing wraps, and these procedures should be consistent with the wrap manufacturer’s instructions for use. In addition, it’s impor- tant to investigate whether the selected woven wraps have a set limit to the number of times they can be laundered and/or steril- ized and remain effective.
The variety of materials used in woven wraps requires an assessment of their compatibility with the sterilization pro- cesses being used in each facility. Not every woven wrap material can be used for every sterilization process. For example, cellulose wrap materials cannot undergo vaporized hydrogen peroxide sterilization cycles. The wrap’s instructions for use will indicate any compatibility limitations and should be fol- lowed to assure effective processes. Single-use nonwoven wraps are the most common sterilization wraps used in the United States. Nonwoven wraps are formed by laying down fi bers or fi laments oer each other and then applying pressure. he fi bers create intricate crisscrossed layers, which creates a tortuous pathway that provides a microbial barrier. Fiber-based nonwoven wraps use cellulose fi bers obtained from plants. ellulose fi ber-based wraps offer good durability and puncture resistance, and excellent moisture absorption and wick- ing. odern fi ber wraps combine cellulose
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