Creating optimal SPD takes planning, keen assessment

Uni-directional flow is essential to ensure soiled instruments move progressively to clean work areas, and this point is highlighted repeatedly in standards and guidelines from professional organizations such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE),...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inHealthcare Purchasing News Vol. 47; no. 1; p. 36
Main Author Williamson, Julie E
Format Trade Publication Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Nashville Endeavor Business Media 01.01.2023
Subjects
Employees
Humidity
Packaging
Patient safety
Professionals
Workforce planning
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Summary:Uni-directional flow is essential to ensure soiled instruments move progressively to clean work areas, and this point is highlighted repeatedly in standards and guidelines from professional organizations such as the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), the Facility Guidelines Institute (FGl), the American Society for Healthcare Engineering (ASHE), the Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses, the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). There should also be a separate clean work room for packaging, sterilization and storage of clean items; walls or partitions between functional work areas to control the spread of contaminants; enough space for all functions and equipment; systems to contain contaminants and minimize staff exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious organisms; and a workflow pattern that allows safe handling of items across every stage of processing. Prior to purchasing new capital equipment, Biomedical Engineering and Facilities Management staff should verify that the facility has the necessary mechanical, electrical and utility requirements and that the SPD has enough square footage to accommodate the equipment and its required plumbing and ventilation and also allow access for proper cleaning and repairs.
ISSN:1098-3716