Cool down / dry time

[Mordiem]

I am having some issues with a local doctor and some of the staff about dry time post sterilization. I have shown them in AAMI and IAHCSMM where it is stated that you need to let instruments cool on the rack and to not transfer them to a cold rack immediatly. They cannot accept them and have said that they want to see this stated by AORN as well, can anyone please help me with this. i cant find it in AORN just yet.

EDIT: sorry this is based on a prevac load

[Uprooted Scrub]

Mordiem:

Page 675, Recommended Practice III(4) in the 2007 AORN Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guidelines is what you need I think.

Hope this helps.

Blaine

[chipmoore]

AORN uses AAMI/ANSI standards as the foundation for Recommended Practices, especially those related to sterilization.
Chip Moore
Getinge
Rochester, NY

[jrc]

This is something that upsets me greatly. Why do nurses and doctors who have no training in sterilization processes think they know more about the subject than the people who do it every day? Why do they think AORN knows more about sterilization than AAMI? Just because their organization requires a degree to join does not mean their members know more about it.

Mordiem, I know it is a tough battle, but remember that the sterile processing department is your department. You are the expert on how your department handles its work. Nobody from outside can tell you when to release items from your control.

[Mordiem]

thank you all for your help i have now shown in all 3 locations about the dry / cool down time. It took upper management getting involved to get this to stop. The COO had to come down and say enough is enough. That basically my word is law and that any doctor or rep should be refered / reported to him if this continues. That iccurance was the 3rd time this has happened and it was done to a DePuy rep comming in and telling the Doc that because the implant screws werent canulated that they could be flashed. I said no and that they WILL be run in a normal prevac cycle. This is when the dry / cool down time came into question yet again as the Doc didnt want to wait the proper time.

Than you all again

[jrc]

Good for you! It's heartening to hear about the times when sticking to your standards works out right.