ACTIVITIES
RECEIVING
Ø Clean & used supplies and equipment.
Ø Soiled equipment and reusable supplies.
Ø New and repaired equipment under CS control.
Ø Linens used in manufacturing
PROCESSING
Central Service (CS) will be responsible for the handling of all items to be processed or reprocessed through the states of checking, decontamination, packaging or repackaging and sterilizing.
DISTRIBUTION AND DELIVERY
CS is responsible for the movement of all items and/or supplies within the department. Stores/Distribution is responsible for the movement of CS items/supplies throughout the Medical Center.
RECEIVING OF REUSABLE ITEMS
All reusable items used in patient care will be received into the CS Department via one or more of the following:
Ø Pick up by CS personnel
Ø Returned by Nursing/Auxiliary personnel
All items used in the direct patient care are received through the decontamination area of CS.
Under no circumstances are reusable items, which have been used in the treatment of patients, to be returned through the prep and pack and/or “clean” area of CS. Personnel returning items to CS will be expected to adhere to this policy.
CLEANING OF REUSABLES
To provide the user with clean, safe, sterile (if applicable) and effective supplies and equipment. CS will clean and/or disinfect all usable items which are returned, before re-issue to patient care.
STERILIZATION
Certain policies and procedures are in effect for all items undergoing sterilization in the CS Department.
These policies and procedures cover all aspects of the sterilization process and are written for the purpose of providing the user an assurance of sterile products.
Included in these policies and procedures are the following subjects:
Ø Sterilization of reusable items
Ø Biological indicators
Ø Chemical indicators
Ø Designation of shelf life
CS provides two kinds of sterilization for the Medical Center:
Ø Steam – Sterilization of reusable patient care supplies and equipment
Ø Ethylene Oxide ETO – Sterilization of heat sensitive items
Each hospital wrapped and sterilized medical item has an expiration date. The date affixed to the package that tells the user how long an item is sterile (as long as the integrity of the package has not been compromised).
Packages/items linen wrapped will have an expiration date of six months.
Packages/items which have been sealed in plastic wrap, or peel pouched will receive indefinite shelf life.
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