The Principles of Medical Device Decontamination

Storage of Medical Devices

Packaged medical devices should be stored in a controlled environment and dedicated for the purpose. Sterile stores, as they are often known, should not have sinks or water sources in them, as if packaging becomes wet, they should be considered compromised and be disposed of. Water or moisture, supports the ingress of bacteria and has the potential to contaminate contents. Sterile packs should be kept out of direct sunlight and away from the floor. Health Building Note 13 1 provides information relating to storage areas for sterile devices and provides a good generic list of conditions for ideal storage of sterile packs. Storage racking should be smooth and support air circulation. To ensure safe lifting and handling practices, heavy instrument sets should be placed on lower shelves, while lighter sets are best stored on higher shelves. Sets should not be stacked one on top of the other as this often results in torn wraps but may also damage the contents. Storage space in healthcare settings is always a massive challenge, never more so than in operating theatres, and corridors are often used for this purpose. Where this is unavoidable, sterile packs should be protected from damage and inadvertent contamination. All packaged devices should be covered and there should be procedures in place to ensure rotation of stock, whether this be commercially produced single use items or instrument sets and supplementary packs. Mobile trolleys are sometimes suitable for device storage depending on the type, for example flexible endoscopes and boxed surgical implants. In all cases a good checking system needs to be in place to ensure devices are rotated and used in date order. It is essential to have a named individual to manage all types of medical devices in storage at the point of use.

i For those wishing to learn more about CH/198 or for experts wishing to be considered for membership of this committee, search the BSI website. https://standardsdevelopment.bsigroup.com/committees/50081178

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