Infection Prevention Tip: Performing Skin Prep Technique Correctly

A recent surge in requests from clients to review possible and documented surgical site infections (SSIs) associated with orthopedic cases that also saw several cultures growing skin-contaminant organisms prompted ICCS to provide this tip.

The ICCS team of infection prevention consultants noted several inconsistencies when observing surgical cases, including failure to prep correctly from incision to periphery. It is important that all staff members, including nurses, surgical techs and surgeons, understand and follow specific instructions as well as general guidance on appropriate prep technique. Companies that manufacture skip prep products provide specific instructions for proper technique. These are available in various forms — including online videos — for use to educate and orient staff to the proper technique.

ICCS suggests contacting manufacturers and requesting an onsite demonstration. This is a great opportunity for live staff education and a refresher for all.

Have a question concerning SSIs and surgical prep? Contact ICCS!

Catch up on previously published infection prevention tips.

Infection Prevention Tip: Manufacturer’s Expiration Date for Peel Pouch Packs

Are you aware that manufacturers of peel pouch/peel pack items may indicate a product expiration date on the box of individual pouches or the peel pouch roll? ICCS consultants have recently observed surveyors citing central processing departments if they fail to adhere to the instructions related to the expiration date.

This can be confusing for facilities that follow the AORN “event-related” standard for “expiration of reprocessed items.” Event related indicates that a sterilized item does not have to be reprocessed when unused at certain intervals unless the packaging has been compromised. However, in the case of peel pouches, if a sterilized item is not used within the time frame of expiration of the pouch itself, the item should be reprocessed.

For a more in-depth explanation of this handy tip, questions regarding peel pouches or assistance with other infection prevention and control challenges, contact ICCS.

Catch up on previously published infection prevention tips.

Phenelle Segal Discusses Infection Control Innovations With Outpatient Surgery Magazine

ICCS Founder and infection control consultant Phenelle Segal, RN, CIC, FAPIC, is a featured source in a new Outpatient Surgery Magazine article.

In the article, which identifies some of the latest infection control products and practices, Segal discusses nasal decolonization and rapid sterilization.

Access the article on infection control innovations.

Infection Prevention Tip: Determine If Your Enzymatic Detergent Requires a Temperature Test

Do you know that use of enzymatic detergents to clean instruments and devices in preparation for high-level disinfection and/or sterilization may require testing the temperature of water prior to use? The requirement to perform this important step is often missed if the instructions for use (IFUs) are printed on a brochure attached to the lid of the detergent bottle and are discarded by the user without reading. Several products include the instructions printed directly on the plastic bottle.

If a temperature range is noted, using a liquid thermometer is best. and ensure that you document the temperature with each premix. If there is no mention of optimum temperature, omit this step. Some products will note the following: “works in all temperatures” (see image below).

This tip is further support for always reading and following IFUs.

AORN Previews 2019 Guidelines Changes

2019 will bring noteworthy changes to Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) standards. In a The Periop Life blog, AORN shares a few of the more significant guidelines changes that can be found in the 2019 edition of its Guidelines for Perioperative Practice and provides tips to help meet these new standards.

The changes highlighted in the blog are as follows:

• Cover the sterile field

• Identify how traffic is limited in your operating room

• Assess your air handling system

The blog also notes that look and organization of the guidelines has undergone significant changes. Access the blog here.

Infection Control Consulting Services (ICCS) anticipates additional changes and will share them if they are announced. Follow ICCS on LinkedIn so you don't miss new information and analysis.