How to Manage an Inventory of Surgical Instruments

Proper management of hospital surgical instruments can be a daunting but beneficial task.

Lasers, scalpels, scopes and probes are all present during a surgical procedure, but have you ever wondered how the instruments got there and are maintained? Each hospital is in charge of monitoring, maintaining and sterilizing surgical instruments, and doing so can be a cumbersome task. However, detailed organization skills can make keeping up with thousands of surgical materials an easier task.

Things You'll Need

• Sterile process personnel
• Instrument tracking system
• Instrument sterilization manager

Instructions

Management and Designation

1. Centralize the management of instruments under one entity. Splitting tasks between two or more entities is counter-productive. Make a designation as to what entity is in charge of the management of supplies, materials and surgical equipment, and stick to it. Traditionally, Sterile Process (SP) personnel is in charge of the purchasing and budgeting for surgical instruments, and it is feasible for them to lead the management of surgical instruments.

2. Consult with your SP and scrub tech staff. Your staff are the individuals most in tune with what surgical instruments are used frequently, which instruments provide the most problems, and how many instruments are needed according to the operating room schedule. Your staff will help you discern which surgical instruments are most needed.

3. Employ a surgical instrument count sheet or instrument tracking system. Such systems are either free or your surgical instrument vendor can provide one. It is important to keep your count sheet accurate and avoid abbreviations or pet-names when listing instruments. For thorough instrument system records, provide the instrument's vendor catalog number as part of the instrument's description.

4. Staff someone for each operating room shift to manage the process of instrument sterilization. Having a manager over the important task of sterilization can save the hospital potential litigation. The person or entity in charge of sterilization must pinpoint the number of instruments needed daily, and ensure that the surgical instruments are in accordance with standards set by the Association of PeriOperative Registered Nurses (AORN).

5. Review your process of management and sterilization. Surgical instruments should not be worn or rusty. If the surgical instruments are not up to par, then there is a deficiency in your process. Realize that contaminated surgical instruments can lead to hospital litigation and remain persistent in your goals to manage. Identify any breakdown in communication and make changes to your management and sterilization process.

References

• Infection Control Today: Steps in the Management of Surgical Instrumentation