Sterile Processing Storage

Sterile Processing Storage Considerations

Infection Control

When choosing sterile instrument storage solutions, one of the highest priorities should be minimizing the risk of contamination for infection prevention and patient safety. The best post-sterilization instrument storage solutions maintain sterility and reduce the risk of pack contamination.

One common surgical instrument storage method is to stack blue wrap kits on wire racks. The problem with this method is that the packs can be easily damaged when stored this way. When surgical instrument kits are stacked, the risk of crushing, compressing, bending, or puncturing the kits increases. In addition, some wire shelving has sharp edges that can snag and tear the blue wrap, which means the kits must be re-sterilized.

When looking for sterile processing solutions, look for storage solutions that allow sterile kits to be stored individually without stacking and minimize the risk of tears. Other sterile processing storage best practices include:

• Minimize manual handling of the sterile packages.
• Avoid storing sterile kits in areas of moisture (e.g., near sinks or exposed water pipes) or high humidity.
• Keep storage shelves and carts clean to prevent soiling packages.
• Store packages at least 18 inches from a sprinkler head, 8-10 inches off the floor (to avoid splashing when cleaning floors), and 2 inches from an outside wall.

Space Savings

Insufficient storage space is a widespread issue for sterile processing departments. Stacking sterile instrument kits often becomes a necessity when your storage is overcrowded, even though this increases the risk of damage and contamination. When looking for sterile processing storage solutions, consider efficient solutions that will maximize your storage capacity in your limited space without overcrowding.

Efficiency

In the OR, every minute counts. Every minute a surgery is delayed can cost up to $400. On the one hand, you’re wasting time and money each time a damaged blue wrap kit reaches the OR and must be sent back for re-sterilization. Beyond this, it’s crucial to quickly locate and retrieve all the sterile supplies and surgical instruments you need for each operation. The best sterile processing storage solutions facilitate good organization and ease of access to improve efficiency.

Sterile Processing Instrument Trays

Sterile processing instrument trays and surgical instrument racks are a comprehensive solution designed to reduce the manual handling of blue wrap kits. The sterile processing trays ensure that surgical instrument kits have no manual contact between sterilization and the OR; personnel transport the kits by handling the trays and not the kits themselves, reducing the risk of contamination.

The logistics flow works as follows:

1. Once the instrument kits are sterilized and wrapped in blue paper, they are placed on individual stainless steel wire trays with non-slip silicone mats.
2. The trays are transported in specialized open or closed carts with designated slots for individual trays.
3. The trays are transferred from the carts to modular storage racks with individual tray slots for storage.
4. When a kit is needed for surgery, personnel slide a tray out, transfer it to the cart, and transport it to the OR.

Once the sterilized kit is placed on the tray, it has no manual contact until it reaches the OR. Personnel carry the trays using built-in handles for transporting and storing the kits. To further reduce the risk of contamination, each tray has an individual storage slot in the carts and surgical instrument storage racks, eliminating the need for stacking while maintaining a high storage density and optimal airflow. The trays have no hard edges or corners, so kits don’t catch on the edges and tear. This comprehensive storage solution, including the trays, carts, and storage racks, can be implemented all at once or gradually. Visit our online store to see our healthcare storage products.

High-Density Sterile Processing Storage

High-density sterile storage solutions are an unmatched option when storing sterile supplies or surgical kits in limited space. These mobile storage systems consist of shelving units mounted on sliding floor tracks. The shelves compact together, replacing static access aisles with one or two movable aisles to double your storage capacity in your existing space. This means you can relieve overcrowding and increase your sterile storage capacity to keep more essential supplies on hand.

Another benefit of high-density storage systems is that they are highly customizable for your facility space requirements. Stainless steel solid or wire shelves are standard for sterile processing storage since the material is easy to clean. Other options include plexiglass end panels for better visibility and adjustable shelves to store supplies and kits of all sizes.

Surgical Instrument Storage Cabinets

Sterile processing departments can also benefit from stainless steel cabinets for storing supplies or surgical instrument kits. The stainless steel construction stands up to frequent sanitization and helps maintain high standards of hygiene. Optional glass doors afford visibility while protecting stored supplies from dust and contaminants. Cabinets with sloped tops are easier to clean and reduce dust accumulation. In addition, our modular casework cabinets can be easily moved and reconfigured as needed, making them an excellent long-term investment.

Sterile Instrument Processing Tables

Along with our sterile processing storage solutions, we also offer a selection of stainless steel tables well-suited for sterile instrument processing. Adjustable height options maximize ergonomics for technicians working long hours, as they can adjust between comfortable sitting and standing heights as needed.