Healthcare Storage Expert | Dustin Patterson

One of the biggest, and largely unaddressed problems in the Sterile Processing Department is Supply Storage. Lack of space and organization can lead to longer picking times, longer OR turnover times, inadequate supply quantities, and can even lead to non-compliance. Don’t fear! There are steps you can take to optimize your existing space to keep…

A big challenge in sterile storage is knowing whether sterile instruments or packs have been compromised, especially when there isn’t any visible damage. Two methods of tracking sterility are used for managing shelf life: time-based shelf life and event-based shelf life. In recent years a better understanding of the what causes contamination has pushed many…

It is imperative to maintain the right conditions for the storage of sterile supplies, surgical instruments, implants, and surgical set-ups. Storing these items in a dedicated space that is climate-controlled sets you up for success while extending supply shelf-life and helping to ensure patient safety. To begin, a dedicated sterile storage room should be placed…

Maintaining a sterile storage area relies on using the right packing materials, storage methods, and environmental conditions. Developing sterile storage policies and procedures based on accepted guidelines helps to ensure that surgical instrumentation and supplies remain sterile until they are used. Below are a few storage guidelines to help maintain sterility. ▶︎ Maintaining sterility starts…

We are stepping slightly outside of our normal “storage expert” lane for this month’s Expert Series™ to talk about the importance ergonomic workspaces. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Monthly Labor Review, hospital workers have a “higher incidence of injury and illness – 6.0 cases per 100 full-time workers – than employees working in…

Robotic surgery provides many benefits to the patient including less invasive procedures, shorter hospital stays, and an overall shorter recovery time. However, these benefits come at a cost. Here are some tips on how to protect your patients AND your investment. Robotic instruments are limited to a set number of uses and the number of…

While there are a few options for storing sterilized instrumentation, the most common is blue wrapped instrument sets. While blue wrap is easy to use and can accommodate almost any size item, it can be prone to ripping, tearing and contamination, so let’s discuss some ways to help ensure the integrity of wrapped instrument sets….

Improperly cleaned and stored endoscopes can cost patients and facilities a great deal. To ensure your patients are safe, there are several things to consider when storing endoscopes to help prevent contamination: Scope Cabinet: Choose fully enclosed, stainless steel scope cabinets that allow for endoscopes to be stored vertically. Enclosed, stainless-steel cabinets provide impermeable surfaces…

When it comes to maintaining the integrity of surgical packs, how they are stored is just as important as how they are transported and opened. There are several storage options available to help ensure that surgical packs are ready and safe for use. The most common way of storing surgical packs is on traditional Flat…

In Part 2 of the “No Cookie Cutter Approach” Series, we discussed how to better organize your storage room, leveraging different shelving set ups to optimize space and operational efficiency. In Part 3 we will explore the best way to organize supplies on shelves, leveraging a FIFO method and Kanban Triggers. Traditional Two-Bin System Traditional…