TMC: Queen of Super Clean
PDF Since Joseph Lister first developed the concepts of antiseptic surgery the creation of sterile environment in medical facilities has been of paramount importance. Lister’s principals are as important today as then, and for that reason, at the heart of team of professionals working daily to provide the best, safest, and cleanest environment for patients at TMC is the staff of the Central Sterile Processing Department.
The weapons are two automatic washers, an ultrasonic cleaner and ten sterilizers. The washers have multiple heads that force water and detergent through the instrument trays to wash, rinse and condition the instruments. It is quite similar to a very large automated dishwasher. The ultrasonic cleaner uses vibrations to release the debris from instruments with lumens (the cavity or channel within a tubular structure), and intricate configurations. This is the type of cleaning done in ultrasonic jewelry cleaners, but at a higher level. Each instrument is individually inspected before being packaged. The sterilizers sterilize the instruments as the final step before storage.
Eight of the sterilizers use steam as the sterilizing agent. This steam is under very high pressure to penetrate the stainless steel instruments. Titanium is also a metal commonly processed with steam. Two of the sterilizers use high levels of hydrogen peroxide that is changed into a gas. This process is also under pressure. It is used for items that could not withstand the higher temperatures. In each type of sterilization, the packaging is penetrated with the sterilizing agent for a set period of time to render the items sterile. The final cycle dries the packaging and leaves it ready to be stored on the shelf. This process is highly automated, documented and monitored for quality.
Each of the eight hundred trays has a bar code attached. When the tray enters each step of the process, the bar code is scanned. This records where the tray is at any point in time. Any team member who needs the tray can look it up and know if it is in a sterilizer, on the shelf, or in a procedure room.
This team has taken on the responsibility to fight this battle against germs and bacteria for the patients who cannot. They choose this duty with pride and determination. The elite staff of the Central Sterile Processing Department is here for you.
The Queen of Super Clean
by Deborah Wedding, BSN, RN, CNOR, O.R. Supply Chain Manager
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