Maintaining proper sterile storage conditions is essential to ensure no damage is caused to equipment and sterile packages while being stored. Having insufficient space for sterile equipment is a common issue, and most medical departments are limited in the storage space they can provide. Because of this, space can quickly become filled, meaning different departments may need to rethink their spaces and procedures.
As with all sterile packages, it’s important to ensure that they keep intact until a product needs to be used. With any sterile storage area, different policies and procedures need to be created and staff need to be trained to keep sterile areas and equipment as safe and secure as possible.
How can damage to sterile packages occur?
Sterile packages and equipment shouldn’t be stored next to moisture, such as sinks or running water. If it finds its way into a sterile package or condensation occurs from storing packages at incorrect temperatures, then this will affect the sterility of the equipment. The same can be said about soiled or stained packages. Packages with visible stains should be considered contaminated and disposed of.
As well as this kind of damage, there is also the physical damage from being incorrectly stored. Heavy packages being stacked on top of one another or stored carelessly can cause damage that could force departments to dispose of large batches of sterile equipment and supplies.
Preventing physical damage to sterile packages
Improper handling of packages or incorrect storage procedures, such as compression of packages or items being packed tightly together on shelves, can expose them to the open air, as well as expose its contents to bacteria and dust. Any holes or tears in sterile packages because of the inability to store them correctly means they will have to be disposed of.
To reduce the likelihood of this happening and to prevent unnecessary waste, it’s important to ensure that you follow some strict procedures:
- Make sure storage carts or shelving is not overloaded.
- Try not to over-handle sterile packages to avoid accidental rips and tears.
- Ensure you consider any use by dates on sterile equipment
- Create storage areas that are big enough with the right carts and shelving to maximise the space you have available.
Trust Hupfer products for sterile package storage
Here at Hupfer, we recognise and understand the importance of creating robust and high-quality storage equipment for the medical sector, to not only prevent damage to sterile packages, but to also make the most of the space in your department.
Shelving solutions
For storage shelves that meet the highest standards, Hupfer has the ideal range for you. Whether for sterile supplies, hospital laundry or pharmaceutical products, we have a wide range of equipment for both stationary and mobile requirements.
Instrument baskets
The quality mesh wiring of our instrument baskets provides the highest standards of safety and protection for sterile package storage. No matter the size, they’re great for internal transport and temporary storage, and are even perfect for optimum sterilisation and disinfection processes. Our instrument baskets have drop handles for ease of use and safe transportation.
We have many different types of shelving and baskets available. Please do get in touch for more information and we’ll help as best we can!
Need help finding the right medical equipment?
If you need assistance with any of our medical products, or you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch with our Head of Medical Business Development, Sarka Oldham: sarka@hupfermedical.com.