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QUALITY CONTROL
ACCOUNTABILITY
All items issued to patient use that are sterilized by Central Service (CS) will be properly inspected before reissue:
Ø After cleaning, all items will be checked for cleanliness and good working condition.
Ø A second inspection will occur, before wrapping, for proper condition.
Ø After sterilization and storage, random samples will be taken. These packages will be opened, their contents inspected, and a quality control sheet filled out as to the results of that inspection.
EXPIRATION DATE ON COMMERCIALLY PREPARED ITEMS
CS accepts as an expiration date, a conspicuous statement on the packaging of commercially prepared items to the effect that an item is sterile unless the integrity of the packaging has been compromised.
If a date is displayed/specified on these packaged, the date will be accepted as the proper expiration date.
CHECKING and RETURN OF OUTDATED SUPPLIES
Each nursing unit shall be responsible for checking dates and conditions of packages of any items permanently stored on their respective units. Outdated items shall be returned to CS for reprocessing, if applicable.
CS shall inspect packages and be responsible for the condition of all items that are stored in CS.
Any items which are found to be outdated or of poor package quality will be reprocessed when and where applicable.
Disposable items will not be reprocessed. These will be discarded and/or returned for proper credit and/or replacement.
The Manager/Assistant Manager should be notified before any item is discarded.
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