Paper/Contents Sheets in trays

[cfgorgone]

We removed the paper in our trays earlier this year based on AAMI and AORN recommendations. We are having a difficult time tracing inaccurate trays back to the tech who completed for retraining without the sheets. Staff in the OR are also having a more difficult time managing the instruments in the room without the contents sheets. How have you all handled this issue?

[kaizen]

We have taped the count sheets to the handles of the rigid containers and also taped the count sheets right to the wrapped items. They aren't sterile but they can be used by staff for documentation and anything else they may need them for.......Our O.R. does not count instruments before or after surgery.......

[sheper1]

We put our count sheets inside a approved paper pouch and place that inside the trays.

[nancyk7520]

We hold ours in central processing for 40 days. They don't go to the O.R.

[pitbull]

we took our count sheets out of trays per ami, we can sign a count sheet for the trays that need them and send them into the room with the circulator. they don't need to be sterile that way, and the circulator can use them for any notes that decontam need. and if the instruments are missing it is the scrub techs responsibility

[sheper1]

I have not seen any AAMI documents that stated to take the count sheets out of trays. I know the AORN had change it stance to recommending them not to be put in the trays. What AAMI document are you referring to?

[pitbull]

contact iahcsmm they have the current information on count sheets inside trays. At the Reno conference they talked about the revision to the ammi document st79 I believe it out now but I am not sure mine is from 2006, I was emailed an update, however I am unable to locate at this time.Hope this helps. Oregon

[sheper1]

I have the AAMI ST79 Comprehensive guide to steam sterilization and I can not find any where in there where it recommends not putting count sheets in the trays. I do see where they recommend not putting peel pouches in the trays.

[pitbull]

I see you found the recommendations not to put peel pouches in your trays with or without countsheets, we do not sterilize anything without parameters from the manf. with paper and or ink could contaminate our inst. we do not have the parameters to sterlize any paper count sheets, so due to this fact we choose not to take a chance with our patients safety.

[sheper1]

What I said is I do not see any where in the ST 79 AAMI Documents speaking about count sheets in trays. We put the count sheets inside an approved paper pouch made for starilization and is approved to go inside trays. So there is no chance of any ink leaking any where and in the 27 years that I have been in Central Serive I have never seen any ink come off the count sheets

[Harvey Johnson]

I agree with sheper1.
There has been no evidence presented so far that count sheets placed inside approved for sterilization envelopes (not plastic peel packs) pose a safety issue for patients.
AAMI has not yet addressed count sheets inside trays.
AORN's issue is with ink and paper residue transferring to instruments.
By using approved for sterilization envelopes (not plastic peel pouch) we are containing any possible contamination issues.
The subject has been hashed over so many times the past six months on this board, (try searching for "count sheets") that I may begin cutting and pasting my old postings to save time!

[pitbull]

We had no idea there was an approved pouch for inside trays, and in our 13 years we have had many times ink ran on countsheets and pouches, how lucky you have not had this happen to you. Could you please send us the info on the pouches including who approved them and who makes them. thank you for your time

[Harvey Johnson]

pitbull,
To keep in line with the posting rules, I will PM the info to you....

[LUPE GONZALEZ]

We have started initialing the indicators that go inside tray and the dura cards that go in the outside of the container. On the steam tape we also initial on the outside