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Sterilization Record Keeping
For Alaskan Hospital Scrutinized
An Alaskan hospital is under scrutiny after being flagged for not properly
documenting sterilization procedures. Fairbanks Memorial Hospital is now at risk
of losing their accreditation after being unable to provide sufficient records of
tests done to ensure the sterility of surgical devices.
Despite doctors verbally confirming the sterilization and
follow up tests took place, the written confirmation can't
be located for at least three instances since January of this year. The absence of these records is proving to be a
critical issue for the hospital and is being immediately
addressed.
The affected implements, such as screws and plates, may have come in contact with unsterilized surfaces,
which would require them to be sterilized again with the entire process documented to provide proof of sterility.
The hospital will now undergo further reviews including an unannounced inspection. If the hospital fails this inspection, they will lose their accreditation.
This situation highlights the importance of keeping
accurate records not only for the hospital, but for consumers who will come in contact with these medical tools. MadgeTech helps address these needs for hospitals and sterilization facilities everywhere by offering the tools and software to measure, validate and report on sterilization cycles.
MadgeTech offers the AVS140 Autoclave Validation System, which combines high temperature and pressure data loggers, secure data logger software and the IQ/OQ/PQ guidelines, bundled together to
help hospitals and other sterilization facilities satisfy regulatory demands. The data loggers are designed for the autoclave environment and accurately measure and record temperature and
pressure throughout the sterilization cycle. The data logger software automatically saves all recorded data as electronic files and provides an interface with advanced analysis and reporting tools for presenting records as proof of sterility.
This challenge that Fairbanks Memorial is facing is not uncommon and is something that all facilities
of this nature contend with. Keeping sterilization processes and protocol strictly in place is a vital part of the health care industry. In summary, it is important to execute the steps to ensure sterility, but it is equally important to record, document and validate all processes and equipment used to do so.
