instrument Manufacturer numbers

[SHIRLEEN VANOCKER]

I know there are facilities out there who rely on manufacturer numbers on the instruments to correctly set up procedure trays. I have count sheets from 2 other facilities that contain manufacturer numbers that are used as part of the counting process. How many of you out there use the manufacturer numbers for correctly setting up trays? ( and also for standardization) I would be interested to hear from you! Thanks.

[citylmt7]

we use manufacture #'s on our count sheets it helps with lost instruments and reordering them. also for new techs it helps them learn the inst.

[Harvey Johnson]

We add manufacturer numbers to our count sheets also. Same reasons as citylmt7.

[ladyt1954]

Hello Shirleen,
I use the Company name & number on all my checklist. It helps in re-ordering as well as well as standarizing all of my sets/trays.
Hope you have a great day.

[CSS TECH]

The problem with those names and numbers is that they are worn out relatively fast when dye and ink are used to write them on. Some companies engrave names and numbers, and the instruments can be indentified for a long time, but I don't think that is a good practice. Those engravements constitute true holes for microorganisms to hide in. We have "brand new pitted surgical instruments". Banding or taping instruments is certainly worse than anything mentioned so far! What could the solution to the problem be?

[David Freeman]

Laser etching

[jrc]

We are working on getting the manufacturer's numbers into our count sheets. I consider them a great tool for the following reasons:
1) They make sure we are all speaking the same language. How many times have you had somebody ask for an item, only to find out that you learned it as something different? One hospital I worked at called a particular instrument a "Richter Scissors." Here, the surgery folks call it a "Boetcher Scissors." The manufacturer calls it a "Potts-Smith Scissors," and its Aesculap #BC643R. No confusion when you go by the manufacturer number.
2) They aid in figuring out what an instrument is. If you are new to that set, just pull out the instrument catalog, and look up the number. Even if the label is faded on the instrument, you can look at the picture in the catalog to see what you need.
3) Reordering is simplified. No more searching through the catalogs at ordering time.

[SHIRLEEN VANOCKER]

David, what do you mean Laser etching? Are you responding to CSS techs' comment about companies "engraving" numbers? I was under the impression that manufacturer numbers are not engraved, but put there by an accepted method. ...would that be Laser etching? thanks

[wperez]

We use the manufacturer number on our count sheets for all of the mentioned reasons. I have not had an issue with not being able to read the number for the life of the instrument. I also have the information on each instrument in our instrument tracking system with photos attached. Makes life alot easier.

[CSS TECH]

I have not had an issue with not being able to read the number for the life of the instrument. I also have the information on each instrument in our instrument tracking system with photos attached. Makes life alot easier.
Come on! We all know catalog numbers on instruments disappear in a relatively short time. Also another problem I didn't mention before: Different companies use different catalog numbers and cross-references are not always available. How is this problem addressed? Do people buy the same instruments from the same companies always?

[SHIRLEEN VANOCKER]

sorry, CSS Tech I do agree with wperez. I worked at a facility for 30 years and we always went by the instrument # when setting up trays. We used basically 2 instrument vendors, as we had contracts with them. We are now doing the same here where I currently work. I really have not had problems with the etching wearing off on most instruments. Of course, there are always exceptions. I have also found over the years that some vendor numbers are more likely to wear than others. If I have problems cross referencing, I call my sales rep...they are usually willing to help with this, especially if I'm planning to purchase their instruments.

[CSS TECH]

sorry, CSS Tech I do agree with wperez. I worked at a facility for 30 years and we always went by the instrument # when setting up trays. We used basically 2 instrument vendors, as we had contracts with them. We are now doing the same here where I currently work. I really have not had problems with the etching wearing off on most instruments. Of course, there are always exceptions. I have also found over the years that some vendor numbers are more likely to wear than others. If I have problems cross referencing, I call my sales rep...they are usually willing to help with this, especially if I'm planning to purchase their instruments.
Don't be sorry Shirleen. You have the right to agree with anyone you think is right! I would prefer you to say you disagree with me instead of saying you agree with Wperez! In fact, I don’t see in what you agree with Wperez. He said “I have not had an issue with not being able to read the number for the life of the instrument”, but you said “I really have not had problems with the etching wearing off on most instruments. Of course, there are always exceptions.”
I do agree with Wperez that having catalog numbers on the tray lists make life a lot easier though. I use numbers on my lists also! Whenever a number is not readable on a piece of instrument and someone is not completely sure, he or she can just grab the appropriate book and look for the number, and right there find the name and the description of the instrument. However, saying that the etching does not wear off on instruments is totally inaccurate:mad:.On most of the Open Heart, Vascular and Neurosurgery instruments in my facility, we cannot see any number anymore. That might not be the case for your facility but it’s the case for mine. My facility was planning to send all those instruments out to engrave numbers on them, but I finally discouraged them. I made them understand that by engraving they were going to create pits for microorganisms to hide.
I work for a teaching hospital. We make sure that technicians count on knowing the instruments instead of comparing numbers or looking for the color of bands. Of course we have all the necessary books also to help educate staff members.

[SHIRLEEN VANOCKER]

CSS Tech I really don't see the point here. I'll re-state my agreement with wperez: In the 30+ years I have been in this profession, I have never had an issue with being able to read the manufacturer numbers for the life of the instrument. I was speaking in general in saying, "of course, there are always exceptions" I have not been exposed to all the instrument manufacturers products, so all I was trying to say was I suppose it is possible. Gees!

[wperez]

I really do not appreciate this type of communication. I am going to file a complaint with the web master asking for a review of all communication coming from CSS TECH. I will not participate in exchange of innapropriate comments. I am sorry but I have better things to do with my time. It's a shame because this could be a very good way to exchange valuable information.

[wperez]

I really do not appreciate this type of communication. I am going to file a complaint with the web master asking for a review of all communication coming from CSS TECH. I will not participate in exchange of inappropriate comments. I am sorry but I have better things to do with my time. It's a shame because this could be a very good way to exchange valuable information.

[Harvey Johnson]

wperez
Probably none of my business, seems like you and CSS have some kind of running battle going on.
Unfortunately everyone is not the same in their communication styles as you would like them to be.
I see in his posts lately an attempt to improve his communications, let's be a little more patient and try not to be so thin skinned.
JMHO
Maybe you both should go to neutral corners and take a deep breath.

[CSS TECH]

I really do not appreciate this type of communication. I am going to file a complaint with the web master asking for a review of all communication coming from CSS TECH. I will not participate in exchange of inappropriate comments. I am sorry but I have better things to do with my time. It's a shame because this could be a very good way to exchange valuable information.
Wow! So much animosity here! This personal attack is useless and senseless! The same way you have the right to file a complaint, I do have the same right too. And after you file your complaint, the webmaster will take some time to review all my posts and formulate his view and decision. We are living in a democratic society my friend! If you want to take away my right to express myself, just cut my fingers and put a piece of steam tape on my mouth. Show inappropriate comments on my last posts, if there is any! It seems you think anything contrary to your ideas is inappropriate! That's totally unfair! You want me to shut my mouth? I will! The floor is all yours. Enjoy! It's not enough to just accuse me. I won't accept it. Show everybody the inappropriate comments you are referring to. Please!
Or let's reread together, but this time with a desire to understand:

Don't be sorry Shirleen. You have the right to agree with anyone you think is right! I would prefer you to say you disagree with me instead of saying you agree with Wperez! In fact, I don’t see in what you agree with Wperez. He said “I have not had an issue with not being able to read the number for the life of the instrument”, but you said “I really have not had problems with the etching wearing off on most instruments. Of course, there are always exceptions.”
I do agree with Wperez that having catalog numbers on the tray lists make life a lot easier though. I use numbers on my lists also! Whenever a number is not readable on a piece of instrument and someone is not completely sure, he or she can just grab the appropriate book and look for the number, and right there find the name and the description of the instrument. However, saying that the etching does not wear off on instruments is totally inaccurate. :mad: On most of the Open Heart, Vascular and Neurosurgery instruments in my facility, we cannot see any number anymore. That might not be the case for your facility but it’s the case for mine. My facility was planning to send all those instruments out to engrave numbers on them, but I finally discouraged them. I made them understand that by engraving they were going to create pits for microorganisms to hide.
I work for a teaching hospital. We make sure that technicians count on knowing the instruments instead of comparing numbers or looking for the color of bands. Of course we have all the necessary books also to help educate staff members.

[CSS TECH]

CSS Tech I really don't see the point here. I'll re-state my agreement with wperez: In the 30+ years I have been in this profession, I have never had an issue with being able to read the manufacturer numbers for the life of the instrument. I was speaking in general in saying, "of course, there are always exceptions" I have not been exposed to all the instrument manufacturers products, so all I was trying to say was I suppose it is possible. Gees!
Shirleen, I am sorry for any misunderstanding. I don't think there was anything offensive in my post, but again, forgive me if you think differently.