Test Packs

[midi]

The usual test packs used in the very first load along with the dart test consists of 16 folded towels. MY question is: do the towels get tossed in the dirty linen after each days test, and new ones wrapped? Or is it o.k. to use these towels again and again till they need to be replaced? Of course the are alwqys wrapped in a clean wrap? I always understood that once linen is sterilized, it shouldn't be used again. Can someone please advise? If we did replace the towels everyday, we would need to order an awful lot of extra towels. Awaiting a reply, thanks all.

[Uprooted Scrub]

They should be freshly laundered towels, Midi. (ST 79 10.7.2.1). I'd recommend getting some of the commercially prepared PCDs. 3M, Steris and SKS medical (not an all inclusive list, just all my Monday-after-the-holiday brain can remember right now). If you cost out the reusable towels, processing, materials, and manpower, I bet you'd save money. Also, the premade PCDs have the additional benefit of being the same every time.
Happy holidays!

[chipmoore]

"Also, the premade PCDs have the additional benefit of being the same every time."
During the recent AAMI ST79 Working group meeting in Arlington VA, I asked if US Central Supply operations had a documented Quality System to demonstrate repeatibility in the cleaning, packaging and sterilization process. The answers were reasons why it wasn't possible.
Would anyone be interested in discussing ways to achieve repeatibility in your CS operation? Repeatibility is the foundation for quality products and best practice for patient care.

Chip Moore
Getinge
Rochester, NY

[Uprooted Scrub]

Chip:

After thinking about this for the past couple days, here is what I've come up with:

I feel that a well trained, motivated staff can repeat outcomes of tasks consistently given the proper empowerment, guidelines (procedures) and tools to do the job. For example, I know that my BIs are run the exact same way every day, because one person has been trained, competency certified and periodically monitored to ensure compliance to our policy.

Another example of repeatability at my facility is cleaning our flexible endoscopes. Since the step by step instructions are posted on the wall and my staff has been educated (with competencies) I feel comfortable knowing that the scopes have been appropriately leak tested, cleaned, and HLD'ed.

We wrap all packages for steam the same way...class 5 integrator in every pack, freshly laundered and de-linted towel underneath, envelope fold wrapping technique, sterilization tape crossed to secure the pack.

Could it ever be 100% accurate? We are humans - the manufacturing companies have machines that build their PCDs. Machines don't make mistakes. Humans do have a 'fudge factor', but - by giving my staff the education and tools they need to do their job, I can honestly say that we have a 99% accuracy rate in what we do here.

Opinions?

Have a great day.

Blaine