From the Field
Background: Recent incidents of infections received from contaminated arthroscopic shavers and flexible endoscopes have led to changes in how sterile processing professionals visually inspect these medical devices. Certain shaver manufacturers have updated their Instructions for Use (IFU) to require the use of additional tools to inspect their medical devices.
Materials and methods: This three-phase study explores the development and implementation of new technologies in the area of enhanced visual inspection of medical devices. Phase 1 examines the results of surveys taken on the process of visual inspection of orthopedic shavers. Phase 2 outlines results of a small-scale inspection of orthopedic shavers in healthcare facilities.
Phase 3 details the implementation and inspection results of a borescopic examination step added into the processing procedures for a large health care facility.
Background: Recent incidents of infections received from contaminated arthroscopic shavers and flexible endoscopes have led to changes in how sterile processing professionals visually inspect these medical devices. Certain shaver manufacturers have updated their Instructions for Use (IFU) to require the use of additional tools to inspect their medical devices.
Materials and methods: This three-phase study explores the development and implementation of new technologies in the area of enhanced visual inspection of medical devices. Phase 1 examines the results of surveys taken on the process of visual inspection of orthopedic shavers. Phase 2 outlines results of a small-scale inspection of orthopedic shavers in healthcare facilities.
Phase 3 details the implementation and inspection results of a borescopic examination step added into the processing procedures for a large health care facility.
Cardiff, 16 – 17 April 2018