Labelling of Fluids in the Sterile Field During Orthopaedic Surgery: A Quality Improvement Initiative.

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Abstract

Conflict of interest statement: Human subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve human participants or tissue. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work. 6. Asian J Surg. 2003 Oct;26(4):202-4. doi: 10.1016/S1015-9584(09)60303-1. Long-term storage of small surgical instruments in autoclaved packages. Bhumisirikul W(1), Bhumisirikul P, Pongchairerks P. Author information: (1)Department of Nursing, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. rawbm@mahidol.ac.th BACKGROUND: In most operating theatres, unused sterile instruments must be re-sterilized according to preset protocols. Protocols differ among institutions and are not based on strong scientific evidence. OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the duration of sterility of small instruments packaged in double-layered linen versus plastic-paper envelopes after autoclaving. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two groups of orthopaedic screws were simultaneously sterilized by autoclaving. In Group 1, each screw was packaged in a double-wrapped linen pack. The screws in Group 2 were individually packaged in an inner wrap of paper and an outer plastic-paper envelope that is commercially available. Unwrapped screws in Group 3 served as controls. During the first 48 weeks, five packages were randomly taken from each group, and from 48 weeks to 96 weeks, 20 packages were taken at random and sent for microbial culture. Five screws from Group 3 were also randomly picked with each sample. RESULTS: Up to 96 weeks, no organisms were cultured from any sample from Groups 1 and 2. Almost all samples from Group 3 grew several species of bacteria. CONCLUSION: For small metal instruments, autoclaved packages in double-wrapped linen or double-wrapped plastic-paper combinations can be stored safely for at least 96 weeks. DOI: 10.1016/S1015-9584(09)60303-1