X-Plant Processing Procedures

[dbechard]

I am looking for a procedure that contains references for processing appliances/implants removed from a patient and returned to the surgeon or patient. :)

[lois681]

Always use manufacture's guidelines to process an implant.

[allis]

I don't think I quite understand this question, but I believe Dbechard is here talking about implants removed from patients. In my facility, when an implant is removed from a patient, it becomes automatically garbage, except if it's something needed to be sent to a lab for special studies. We consider all implants single use items.

[lois681]

Implants are one time only use. However, some patients like to take things home with them that are removed from their bodies, ex: gall stones. Biohazard items cannot be removed from the hospital by individuals until it has gone through SPD for processing. Thus, we always follow the manufacture's guidelines for processing an item.

[allis]

Really confusing! Dbechard, can you please reformulate the question? I guess you want to say, for example, if a plate and screws are removed from a patient, what should be done before those items can be returned to the surgeon or the patient, is that right?

I have never heard of any patient in my facility asking for implants, even less for gall stones! If this happens one day, I think I will have to deny any request for returning the implants if they cannot be resterilized. If the implants are plates and screws for example, I will process them the same way I did before the surgery, but in a peel pouch. After, I will break the pouch open before handing the implants over to the O.R. I will request documentation explaining the whole situation. All that, of course, upon approval from my immediate supervisor!