The Process:
Decontamination
LTrace provides you with two key functions when decontaminating items:
Sterilised items
Track sterilised items back to the wash load to complete the cycle. For unique identified items, this will also become the wash load prior to pack.
Decontaminated only items
Identify what items were washed, and optionally print labels for them to identify them or track to patients.
Washing of sterilised items
Scanning an item to the decontamination load allows you to know the complete cycle of a (uniquely identifiable) item:
- When and by whom it was initially washed
- When and by whom it was packed
- When and by whom it was sterilised
- When and by whom it was used
- When and by whom it was finally washed
You also know what else was washed at the same time.
When trying to locate an item, you now know if it is post-surgery, being washed, or is already decontaminated and ready for pack.
There are many ways that you can scan an item to the washer:
- Scan the barcode on the item
- Select items from a recent surgery
- Scan barcodes from the surgery sheet
Washing of decontaminated-only items
As you load or accept a decontaminated load, you can specify how many decontaminated-only items were present.
Choose to optionally print labels for each of these items which can be especially useful for items that will be bagged. Once labelled, you can track the location of the item and assign it to a patient once it’s used.
Simplify your invoicing as well by knowing how many items are being sterilised for a customer as well as knowing who is using the instruments.
The Process
1. Scan trolley
Select what is being loaded easily by scanning the barcode on the trolley/insert or selecting the trolley/insert in the software.
2. Scan items
Scan the returned items from theatre that are being loaded. This can be done by:
- Scanning the barcode on the tray
- Scanning the barcode on the list of trays returned from theatre
- Selecting a recent procedure and selecting the item(s)
3. Washing of the load
If a trolley/insert can be loaded into multiple washers, you will need to specify which washer it has been loaded into.
4. Completing the load
At the end of the load, you will need to inspect the washer printout and inspect the load. If you are satisfied then enter the cycle number and release the load.
(Note: Interfaces are available that will automatically enter the cycle number)
