Heavy drape vs. VERY HEAVY DRAPE?

[fkrizman]

For those using Kimberly Clark one step wrap is anyone using the KC600 wrap? Just doing some manufacturer instruction research and found that Kimberly Clark recommends any tray over 17 lbs be wrapped in KC600. Our supplier does not keep this in stock although they can get it, which leads me to wonder do other know or use this? My purchaser says it is much more expensive. Do you keep all sets below 17lbs? This is difficult to do when you get into the old conflict of manufactures instuction dillemma. (The ortho tray has been validated at 20lbs.):

[barry govenor]

fkerzman,

we use km500 but I think that would be the upper limit that should be used. Depending on the size and shape of the package to be wrapped the 500 can be bulky -we do have an occassional "blow out"" as a result. km500 has been a plus and has cut down the amount of re-wraps caused by personnel dragging trays instead of lifting them but I would not advise going any higher for the reasons mentioned.

[chipmoore]

Barry, define "blow out"
Chip Moore
Rochester, NY
Retired but involved

[barry govenor]

Chip,

"blow out" is when the wrapped item has become partially unwrapped due to steam/pressure overcoming the adhesive capacity of the tape used to keep the edges of the wrap in place. A lighter wrapping material leads to a tighter, more secure wrap of the item. Breakdowns in the integrity of the wrap occurs more often with bulkier wrap because it is more difficult to wrap the item securely.

[fkrizman]

Thanks for your reply. Are all your items less than 17lbs? We currently use the 500 for our heavier trays. We do occasionally get the hole in the bottom, although rare. We do not typically get "blow outs" except for items on the top shelf to the back and we use extra tape on these few items.
Felicia

[Kristopher]

We use the 600 grade wrapper with great success. My staff do not find it difficult to work with and for the most part is has eliminated torn wrappers. The majority of the trays that we wrap are heavier consignment trays, making this the best wrapper for our needs. We have never had an issue keeping tape secured to the wrapper.

[barry govenor]

fkrizman

in answer to your question re: tray weights. We have more than a few that exceed 17 pounds. For these we use the km500 (our heaviest) but first, place a folded 36x36 muslin wrapper between the km wrap and the tray we are wrapping. We also, at times, place a folded 36x36 on top of the tray before it is wrapped. This seems to cut down on holes as we have seen very few nor have we had complaints from O>R> in this area. I also keep in mind the fact that some of our wrapped trays, when stored, are stacked. I feel the folded 36x36 adds extra protection to the tray.

[DebbieLynn]

The next question would be...if you are using KC100 and KC 500/600, have you increased your dry time to 30 minutes? Do you only run same style wrappers on the same load? KC100/200 need a 20 minute dry time. KC300/400/500 & 600 need a 30 minute dry time...Just wondering :)

[fkrizman]

We have since started using the KC600 from when the I first posted. We go with our service reps recommendation on dry times for our old autoclave. When we shorten the times we find moisture in all sets. For lighter loads KC100-KC500 wrapped trays 30 minutes and 45 minutes for heavy loads which would be anything requiring a KC600 wrapped tray.

Also, I am not sure what brand KM500 wrap is but with the KC500 and KC600 we found the KC600 to actually be easier to wrap with. It is a little stiffer and stays in place as you fold it. So far no holes and no blow outs.