Rigid Containers

[Kris]

Anyone out there using Rigid Containers? I would like to have your input on the matter as the advantages and the disadvantages that you have.
We are getting ready to put them on trail bases at the hospital that I work at and was just wondering if they are really better than wrap?
Thanks!!

[linnma]

The rigid containers have worked well in our Department. There are several companies out there and it's best to evaluate them first for handling and running b/i's, and seeing how the o.r and c/s likes them.Not all instrumentatation can be run in rigid containers.
If the tray is too heavy with instruments the drying is affected, it's is too bulky to be used in the eto, and the rigid containers can not be sterilized over wrapped items. The plus is no breaktrough's of wrap.

[Uprooted Scrub]

Hey, Kris:

We have been using the Genesis rigid containers from V. Mueller for about 18 months. I have to order tamper resistant arrows, filters, and data cards which is very easy to manage. The rigid containers have several advantages and disadvantages over wrapping...the advantages are:

1) Money saved in wrappers. After the containers have paid for themselves, your wrap usage should go down significantly. There will always be those pesky basins or basin sets, however!! <smile>
2) Piece of mind. With the Genesis rigid containers, IF the team in the OR is conscientious enough to check the tamper proof arrows (which have a chemical indicator on them) and the internal indicator/integrator (which I suppose is taught in OR Tech school...I used to teach that to techs when I proctored them anyhow) is in the 'acceptable' range the instrument set should be good to go. No more worries about torn wrappers!!

Of course the trade-offs:

Rigid containers add weight to your instrument sets = however - we used this as a reason to 'downsize' our large ortho sets. We not only downsized them significantly, but we put them in a smaller rigid container making them way more portable and so much lighter!!

Peace and keep it clean!