Sterile Storage

Guidelines when setting up aSterile Storage Area

shelving must be 2-3 inches from thewall

shelving must be 8-10 inches from thefloor

shelving must be 18-20 inches from theceiling

Sterile Storage Guidelines,continued

area must be dry

humidity must not be less than 35% witha maximun of 70%

temperature must be approximately 72degrees F

no overhead plumbing

Sterile Storage Guidelines,continued

sterile and clean items must not bestored under sinks

patient care items must not be stored onthe floor

area must be kept sanitary and freefrom food, insects or vermin

Sterile Storage Guidelines,continued

items must be removed from externalshipping cartons before transfer into thestorage area because of high levels ofdust contamination on cartons andcrates

closed-cabinets or covered storageshelves are preferred for sterile items todecrease the risk of dust accumulation

Sterile Storage Guidelines,continued

minimum 10 air changes per hourthrough a system filtering the air torender it dust free

ceiling must be enclosed

floors must be damp mopped

air movement relationship to adjacentarea is negative

Sterile Storage Guidelines,continued

breakdown room should be provided formanufactures’ clean/sterile supplies(clean processing area should not be inthis area but adjacent)

if using a wire cart for storage, cover thebottom shelves of the carts with animpervious liner

References for Sterile Storage Guidelines for Construction &

Equipment of Hospital & MedicalFacilities. (The American Institute ofArchitects Committee on Architecturefor Health)

Association for the Advancement ofMedical Instrumentation

Other

Cleaning of Sterile StorageArea / Carts

The Storage area and carts for theitems need special care. It is importantto keep both the area and carts clean &dust free. As with any cleaning, it isnecessary to perform the task frequentlyand well

Tips to help you in the cleaningof the Carts

wipe the cart or shelf well with a wetcloth and the hospital approvedcleaning solution

dry the cart well with a dry lint-free cloth

wipe any bins following the sameprocedure as for the shelves

Quality Improvement

Make a 5 question test on this topic and put instaff file (OR,CS,Building & Housekeeping)

Work with Housekeeping staff and develop acheck list to show when area has been cleaned( mop,dust..)

Housekeeping is a key player in making sure yourarea is clean keep them in the loop

You can never over train your staff the morepeople you involve the better the outcome

This Education program was developed by:

Stephen M. Kovach

313-584-8873

smkovach@sbcglobal.net