Skytron Blog

If you have worked in any healthcare setting, you are aware of the storage challenges that come with the territory. Not just in sterile spaces or clean cores but also in spaces that house a wide range of clean medical supplies, including first aid and wound care products, personal protective equipment, advanced life support equipment, intravenous solutions, and much more.

In Sky is the Limit edition, we touch on the importance of storage in relation to infection control in healthcare environments, provide some simple storage tips and best practices, and present an innovative solution that can help your facility today.

As a bonus, we will provide a few resources specific to sterile storage and regulatory outlooks at the very end for you to dive deeper if interested.
 

The Link Between Storage and Infection Control

Your facilities rely on clean, well-maintained supplies for safe and effective patient care. If storage conditions compromise sterility, the risk of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HCAIs) increases significantly. Proper inventory management and adherence to storage best practices help minimize contamination risks and improve patient outcomes. Below, we provide actionable strategies to enhance your clean supply storage.
 

Best Practices for Clean Supply Inventory Management

Maintaining proper inventory levels ensures supplies are available when needed while preventing contamination and waste.

Here are four considerations that can help you better manage your inventory:

• 1. First In, First Out (FIFO): Rotate inventory so older supplies are used first, reducing waste and ensuring product efficacy.
• 2. Prevent Overstocking: Maintain a manageable supply level to avoid clutter and expired products.
• 3. Dedicated Storage Areas: Ensure clean and sterile supplies are stored in designated spaces, with clear signage and regular monitoring.
• 4. Assess Infrequently Used Supplies: Evaluate whether rarely used items should be relocated or reduced to optimize space.

Storage Tips for Hygiene and Accessibility

Keeping supply carts clean and accessible is essential for efficiency and infection control. Follow these best practices:

• Hand Hygiene Stations: Position hand hygiene facilities near storage areas to encourage compliance.
• Segregated Storage: Use dividers to keep clean and sterile supplies separate and easily accessible.
• Proper Liquid Placement: Store liquids on lower shelves to prevent spills and contamination risks.
• Dispose of Empty Boxes: Eliminate inner packaging to reduce cross-contamination risks.
• Regular Cleaning: Disinfect storage containers frequently to uphold hygiene standards.

Setting the Standard for Storage Area Best Practices

To maintain a high standard of cleanliness and organization in storage areas, consider these additional measures:

• Clear Signage: Label clean supply areas clearly, with restricted access warnings where necessary.
• Limited Access: Restrict entry to trained personnel to minimize contamination risks.
• Routine Cleaning: Implement and document regular cleaning schedules for shelves, bins, and transport carts.
• Container Maintenance: Ensure all storage containers are free of visible dust or debris.
• Accurate Labeling: Clearly label supplies for easy identification and inventory tracking.
• Hygienic Surfaces: Use non-porous, easy-to-clean materials for storage structures.

Innovative Storage Solution: Skytron’s ST Mobile Carts

Enhance your storage strategy with Skytron’s ST Mobile Carts, designed for durability, flexibility, and efficiency. These carts, crafted from robust powder-coated steel, are built to withstand the demands of healthcare environments. Featuring Panelogic™ cell panels, they offer superior configurability and storage capacity.
 

Key Benefits:

• Customizable Configuration: Tailor storage options with adjustable bins, shelves, lockable drawers, and catheter slides.
• Enhanced Security: Optional locking mechanisms ensure controlled access.
• Improved Inventory Visibility: Clear plastic bins enable quick identification of supplies.
• Effortless Mobility: Heavy-duty casters and ergonomic side handles allow smooth transportation.

Proper storage plays a large role in infection control. By following simple best practices we learned today and leveraging innovative solutions like Skytron’s ST Mobile Carts, your facilities can better maintain cleanliness, efficiency, and patient safety.

Additional Resources for Sterile Storage Compliance:

– The Joint Commission: Managing Packaged Sterile Supplies and Devices
– AORN: Will Your Sterile Processing Department Pass Inspection? *see point number five.