What type of record system do you use?

[amandahazel]

When you are loading your carts for sterilization, how do you record what items are on that load?

We currently are using a spiral notebook (similar to a three subject spiral notebook), and I'm not really hip on that idea. All we put in the notebook is a load sticker, and then under it list the items in our load. We then have a seperate log book for our biologicals.

I've proposed a more formal form where you can consolidate your information on one page. You would have at the top of the page the following:

Date and time the load started
Date and Time the load ended
Spot for the Load sticker
Initals of who started that load
Was there a bio run?
Box for the Bio results for that load
Then the rest of the page dedicated to listing your items in that load

Is this overkill, or is this good information to have. I've always been taught that the more information you have on a load the more it can stand up in court (if need be) and the easier it is to track if there needs to be a load re-call.

Managers and supervisors, I'm especially interested in hearing from you and how your record your sterilization loads. If you have any information to share, please speak up. I'm just concerned about the legality of our record keeping.

[eshep]

Where I work we use the 3M comply system where everything from the start and finish times to the biologicals is all in one envelope.

[New SPD Manager]

I have a form that I made up with information similar to what you have stated. I think it is important. I use this information for month-end reports I have to make to infection control. I also store all this information with the bio records and bowie-dick records for seven years.

[Nannette Braley]

We use the 3M system, they have a SteriGage Load Recorder card. It has place to the load number, the sterilizer, date, operators name and then on the back a place to list all contents of the load. It goes into the sterilizer with the load and has a Chemical integrator on it! it is a wonderful product - the order number is #4171. Hope this helps. :D

[Guest]

I use the 3M record keeping software. I LOVE IT!! No more keeping records in hard copy. Everything is kept in the computer. I scan all of the print offs from the computer and scan bowie dick results and keep it all in the computer. Its wonderful and I would highly encourage anyone to use it. Its a bit pricey, but well worth it!! Once you purchase it you also have a $1,000 a year fee to keep the license.

[jackiejerome]

I have always practiced one record per cycle. I have never seen it done any other way until I took a new role in a new state, where they use the 3M system envelope. I have found several articles and even standards that state that there should be one record per cycle. I trying to figure out which way is the best practice. Please give me your take on this:confused: