Chapter 12 (Notes) Flashcards
Air pressure in the clean assembly area should be ______
Positive in relation to outside hallways,the decontamination area, break rooms, and other adjacent areas, with exception of the sterile storage area.
Temperature in the assembly area should be between _____
68 and 73F (20 to 23C)
Relative humidity should be maintained between ______
30% and 60%
(F)AN
Function. Each item in the park must function as it was designed. This means that scissors must be sharp, clamps must hold securely, and multi-part items must be complete and functional when assembled. Technicians reach that goal by understanding how instruments operate and my relying on specific test methods to ensure the they work properly
F(A)N
Accurate. Instrument must be correct and quantities must be exact. Technicians meet this goal by learning to identify specific instruments, working from an up-to-date pack content list and verifying that all specifications for the pack – including quantities and configuration —- are correct
FA(N)
Neat. Pack contents must be organized, and instrument must be easy to locate, Disorganized packs may waste time or delay treatment and care.
Smaller groups of instruments used for smaller procedures in the area outside of the OR, such as suturing, wound irrigation or cutdowns are called
Procedure trays also known as floor trays
Clearly-written and illustrated procedures for preparation of items to be packaged
Count Sheets
What ways does moisture affect different sterilization processes?
- ) Steam cycles - Moisture will change the wet/dry steam ratio
- ) Ethylene oxide (EtO) cycles - Moisture will form ethylene glycol, which is harmful to staff and patients
- ) Hydrogen peroxide and ozone cycles - Moisture will cause the cycle to abort
Reversing the magnetic field away from instruments
Demagnetizers
The FDA classifies sterilization packaging as a ______
Class II medical device (a device that presents a potential risk)
The two types or reusable packaging material
- ) Woven Fabric
2. ) Rigid Containers
Linen packs are limited to ________
12” (Height) x 12” (Width) x 20” (length), and they are not to weigh more than 12 pounds per cubic foot
Disposable (nonwoven) materials were introduced as ____
engineered fabrics aka disposable non-woven materials in the 1940s (Coffee filters, teabags, vacuum cleaner bags)
Most commonly-used packaging materials for small instruments and lightweight items
Paper/plastic and spunbond polyolefin-plastic combinations aka Peel packs or peel pouches
Paper/plastic combination are typically used with _____
Steam and EtO sterilization processes
Spunbond polyolefin-plastic combinations aka Tyvek pouches are used for _______
Hydrogen peroxide and ozone sterilization
Applied to packages after sterilization to protect the package from dust, moisture and other contaminates.
Protective plastic overwrap aka (dust covers or sterility maintenance covers)
Who recognizes sterility as “event-related”?
The joint Commission (TJC) and the Association of periOperative Registered Nurse (AORN)
Two techniques for wrapping packages
- ) Square Fold - This is also called the in-line or parallel fold; it is most frequently used for larger packs and instrument trays
- ) Envelope Fold - This is more commonly used for individual items, small packs and most instruments sets..
Two methods of using flat wrapper packs
- ) Sequential - The package is wrapped twice and is “a package within a package.” The term “sequential” indicates that the contents have been wrapped in sequence (one after the other). This method is used for muslin, Kraft-type paper and single layers of SMS wraps.
- ) Simultaneous - The package is only wrapped once, but it requires a special double-layered synthetic non-woven material bound on two or four sides
Advantages/Disadvantages of sequential wrap
Pros: Affords a “2nd chance” for sterile presentation
Cons: Requires more time for wrapping and unwrapping
Advantages/Disadvantages of simultaneous wrap
Pros: Reduced labor costs and increased output in the CS and OR.
Cons: Absence of the second layer removes the “second chance” aspect during aseptic opening/presentation.
