In the sterile processing department, sometimes the simplest components can make a major difference. As hospitals and other healthcare facilities seek out ways to develop efficiencies and generally improve processes, they’re examining every last piece of equipment to see where improvements can be implemented.
The developers at Aesculap have delivered an innovation that highlights the importance of not just checking under the lid, but taking a hard look at the lid itself.
The company recently introduced the PrimeLine Pro lid, which reconfigures the established PrimeLine technology to better suit the dynamics of a busy sterile processing environment.
“The big advantage of the PrimeLine Pro is that it has a reusable filter which can be used for 2,200 standard steam and/or IUSS cycles before replacing,” explains Troy Scroggins, product manager for sterile containers at Aesculap. “The main thing is that you’re simplifying the process for everybody because you don’t have to change the filter out.”
Because the filter is built to last for a long time, the lid needs to stand up to rigorous, extensive use. The PrimeLine Pro is made with 2 mm aluminum with a stainless steel cover on it, and features a 2D data matrix to track cycle use in instrument tracking systems.
(Image credit: Aesculap)
As a bonus to the added durability, the PrimeLine Pro lids come in five distinct colors, an aid to departments that want quick visual signifiers as they sort their instruments, differentiating by specialty, for example.
Aesculap hopes that responding to the unique demands of the sterile processing departments and connected areas of healthcare will lead providers to standardize on their products. Of course, the company is aware that such standardization ultimately helps the facility most.
“By standardizing on one brand, you streamline all processes, creating less confusion in the OR and the sterile processing department, which means lower stress levels for all the employees,” Scroggins says. “In addition to our containers, we have a full line of instrument organization that we can bring to facilities to help them protect their instruments. That’ll help the instruments live a longer life and keep them working properly.”
