Event Related Expiration in Sterility

Questions and Answers

What should be done with dropped items regardless of visible damage?

They can be stored away for later examination.

They can be cleaned and reused if necessary.

They should be inspected for integrity and placed back.

They must be considered contaminated and removed. (correct)

Which of the following items should never be used for sterile packages due to potential physical damage?

Validated markers used for writing.

Paper clips for securing items.

Plastic wrap for covering packages.

Rubber bands. (correct)

What is the principle behind managing the expiration of perishable items?

First in - first out. (correct)

Last in - first out.

Use by the longest shelf life first.

Expiration dates are irrelevant if stored properly.

What should be monitored regularly to maintain the integrity of sterile packages?

Temperature, humidity, and room pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What type of checks are important to carry out whenever interacting with sterile items?

Quality assurance checks. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary determining factor that maintains the sterility of packaged items?

The integrity of the packaging Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following actions is NOT recommended for maintaining sterile conditions during handling?

Dragging items across surfaces Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum distance that packs should be kept from walls to reduce condensation risks?

5 cm Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided in a sterile storage room to prevent contamination?

Consuming food or drinks Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following practices can lead to contamination of sterile packs?

Using corrugated boxes for storage Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Event related sterility means items are sterile unless packaging is compromised, regardless of sterilization date.
Events such as storage and handling interactions can negatively impact sterile products.
Safe sterile storage room requirements include minimal handling to reduce contamination risks.
Hand wash facilities must be available but segregated to prevent splashing on sterile items.
Proper handling involves lifting packages rather than dragging or pushing to prevent friction and abrasion.
Correct shelving design should keep items secure, with solid or covered top and bottom shelves to minimize dust accumulation.
Packages should be at least 5cm away from walls and windows to lower condensation risk.
Store items 25-30cm above the floor to avoid contamination from cleaning products, spills, and contact.
Maintain a distance of at least 45cm between the highest package and ceiling or fire sprinkler heads to prevent obstructions.
Lift packages using two hands, avoiding excessive handling as each instance is an event that might compromise sterility.
Food and drinks must not be stored or transported in sterile supply areas to avoid contamination.
Avoid using corrugated boxes as they can trap moisture and harbor mold or contaminants.
Packages should not be forced or stacked on shelves, as this can lead to contamination and damage.
Dropped items must be treated as contaminated, regardless of visible damage, due to potential dust and microorganisms.
Prevent exposure to direct sunlight by avoiding placement near windows.
Keep packages away from moisture sources like sinks, pipes, and sewage lines to maintain sterility.
Use validated markers for writing on packages, as regular ink can damage packaging integrity.
Do not use rubber bands with sterile items as they apply force and can compress packages.

Sterile Supply Expiration

Time related sterility refers to a package remaining sterile until it reaches a specified expiration date.
This is crucial for perishable items, following the 'first in - first out' principle to use items with the shortest expiration dates first.

Quality Assurance Checks

Environmental monitoring is essential as constant oversight of sterile items isn't feasible.
Regular checks of temperature, humidity, and room pressure are necessary to document the environmental conditions.
Ensure scheduled cleaning of the storage environment is conducted and documented for continued sterility assurance.
HVAC systems should be serviced at regular intervals with documented results to maintain safe storage conditions.

Safety Checks when Handling

Always confirm that colleagues properly handle sterile items since contamination risks exist during interactions.

Description

This quiz covers the concept of event-related sterility, which defines how items are deemed sterile based on packaging integrity rather than sterilization date. It also discusses the necessary requirements for a safe sterile storage room and minimizing contamination during handling and storage.