6 Primary Steps of Processing Custom Tray
Following an established protocol, the processing of custom trays is a vital aspect of modern healthcare. It will significantly go a long way in alleviating patient’s the risk of contracting infections. The piece below seeks to give an overview of the six primary steps of custom procedure trays processing
- Commissioning the custom trays
Before anything else, custom procedure trays have to be commissioned by a practice which needs them. Such practices usually formulate the custom trays’ regular operational requirements and performance. After that, they put together orders based on the inclinations and requirements of the operating surgeons.
- Inspection
All equipment have to be inspected to check whether it is clean and functional. At this stage, if there is an instrument that is damaged, then it is replaced. Similarly, instruments with some visible dirt or soil on them are returned for proper cleaning. Important to note is that you should never clean a dirty custom procedure trays in a clean area. You can only do the same if you have proper PPE. This is because the cleaning process can contaminate the already clean instruments as well as contaminate work surface. Check if there are any instruments with stiff joints because it may be a sign of inadequate cleaning.
- Packaging
For packaging of the custom procedure trays, it is best to opt for sterile packaging such as pouches or rigid containers. These packaging instruments are handy in maintaining the sterility of the custom procedure trays. Besides, it allows for the aseptic opening when it reaches the point of use.
- Pouches- if you opt for the sterilization pouches, place them all facing one direction inside the sterilizer. This technique is vital in helping in sterilant penetration as well as facilitating drying. Before you seal the pouch, you should include a multi-parameter chemical indicator as well as removing the excess air in the bag.
- Rigid containers- this container comes in different sizes. Regardless of the size, they provide excellent protection during storage. The containers are perfect for sterilization and do not cause any problem to the tray during the process. Just as in the pouch, there should be the inclusion of a multi-parameter chemical indicator on every layer.
- Sterilization
The most commonly used form of sterilization is the steam sterilization. This is a recommendation of the CDC. The technique is considered fast, safe and the most affordable for healthcare facilities. The steam sterilizers come in a variety of sizes. Sterilizer cycles often vary among manufacturers, and you will definitely find it in the manufacturer’s manual. Other options include:
- Chemical vapor
- Vaporized hydrogen peroxide
- Ethylene oxide
- Storage
All the sterilized custom procedure trays must be stored in a manner that reduces the chances of being contaminated. The place where they’re stored must be clean, dry and temperature controlled. Handling sterilized custom procedure trays with care is important. So you have to avoid things like bending or crushing the tray. During transportation, they must be protected from environmental contaminants that can compromise their sterility.
- Monitoring
Monitoring of the custom procedure trays while in storage is a crucial step in the processing of this instrument. This is because, while in storage, there is a probability that pathogens, microorganism, and unknowns can invade and contaminate the trays. Moreover, if other contaminants or water gains access to the storage, then you can be sure they’re all going to get soured. If carefully monitored, these mishaps are entirely preventable, and as a result, it should be done over time to make sure they’re fit for use.
