is separate from the area assigned for clean and sterile supplies. Soiled and used
items are bagged for return to CMS to prevent the spread of infection. These
precautions should be considered in the collection or return of reusable items:
(1) All supplies and equipment used in patient care should be handled as a
potential danger to the control of infection.
(2) Every area should have a specific area for the containment of used
supplies to be collected or returned.
(3) All items must be made safe for transportation (that is, used and
contaminated equipment will be moved in a manner that will not contribute to the spread
of infection).
(4) The same cart or device used to move used equipment and supplies
should not be used for clean and sterile supplies and equipment.
b. Initial Processing. The using unit will perform initial processing prior to
returning items to CMS. This means:
(1)
Discard disposable items and knife blades and remove gross soil.
(2)
Return all items to CMS regardless of whether they have been used.
(3) Place items to be returned in a double bag, and secure the bag with
string or wire tie.
c. Receiving. Central materiel services receives equipment and supplies from
at least three sources. The Logistics/Supply Service Division delivers materials and
supplies from the general supply area and these are received in a bulk storage area.
These items include disposable supplies, paper supplies, supplies to use with
processing equipment, and so forth. The laundry delivers linen for the sterile packs that
are prepared by the CMS. This clean linen is received in a clean workroom. The
hospital using units send used supplies and equipment. These items are received in
the cleanup area. These are the items that must be double bagged and carefully
handled to prevent contamination and spread of infection. Gloves must be worn. The
used equipment and supplies are then processed through the CMS for reuse in patient
care. These are the items that will be discussed in the processing cycle in this lesson.
3-5.
SORTING
a. General. The cleanup area in CMS is the first place used supplies and
equipment are received. The high standard of cleanliness that is so necessary in CMS
begins in the cleanup area. Personnel, like you, have a vital role in the continuing battle
against microorganisms. The proper handling of equipment and supplies that have
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