Inspection of cannulated devices, cleaning of personal items, arm covering in SPD

Q

 Borescopes have become the new wave for inspecting cannulated items on the clean side along with ATP testing. We do not have a borescope with a diameter that is small enough to fit through the very small channels of some scopes and small instruments, such as the baron suctions. Is there an alternative for inspecting these items? I know many hospitals fill a syringe with water and flush over a white linen towel to inspect for blockage or debris. Same is done with lap instruments that cannot be taken apart. Is this still an acceptable practice? Is there a water requirement?

A

 In last month’s HPN edition, I addressed the importance of cleaning verification for cannulated medical devices and provided information and recommendations that would address your concerns. Visit the November “CS Solutions” column (https://hpnonline.com/21159592) to learn more. If it is absolutely necessary that you do this inspection on your clean side, I would recommend that you have a designated/segregated workstation dedicated to this function and that the staff performing the inspection process wear the appropriate PPE.

Q

 I am the manager of surgical services, which includes the OR, SPD, and RR. All these areas occasionally have outside consultants, service personnel, vendors, and educators coming into their work areas. We require them to change into scrubs or jumpsuits and basically follow the same dress code as the personnel in the work area they are visiting. Frequently they come in with briefcases and carrying cases that they need to bring into the area where they are meeting. We try to discourage them from doing this, but often they really do need the contents during the meeting. We currently do not address this matter in our policies. What would you recommend?

A

Unclean items brought into the OR and other areas you mentioned can be contaminated with dust, microorganisms, bacteria, and pathogens. Any personal items, such as briefcases, backpacks or other carrying cases, should be cleaned prior to bringing them into your restricted or semi-restricted areas. If this becomes an issue, then I would suggest they remove what is needed and place it in a clean hospital tote box or container that they can bring into the area. Once cleaned, any of these carrying cases should not be placed on the floor.