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Expiration Dates

Decent Essays

The concept of event related sterility is one that required teamwork and cooperation in order to convert existing policies into this new one. The idea of not using expiration dates was hard for some but, when presented with the information and cost effectiveness it was difficult not to take a closer look at how this new procedure could and would benefit health care facilities. Armed with new policies and more training, health care workers were ready for the challenge of implementing this new idea.

Introduction The sterilization process has been in use for a very long time. The use of expiration dates gave, and still gives, a period in which items are sterile and may be put to use during a procedure. This system works, but is costly and labor intensive. Although this process works, there is another way of maintaining the sterility of items. Louis Pasteur proved it. Louis Pasteur sterilized flasks in 1863, more than 130 years ago. These flasks, which are stored …show more content…

Approval had to be gained by showing the facility that it was going to benefit everyone involved and that it was in compliance with state and local laws as well as with accrediting organizations. Some examples of what had to be done are defining policy goals, development of a cost benefit analysis, a rotation policy had to be in place, and new training programs had to be established. These, along with a labeling policy and testing for quality assurance, helped to maintain the process.
Benefits
Event-related sterility is cost effective compared to the use of expiration dates since “outdated” packaging material does not have to be removed and thrown away causing items to be rewrapped. Also, since there are no expiration dates, expired items do not have to be pulled for reprocessing which cuts down on time and labor. Personnel are able to focus on other things that require their attention.

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