Management of reusable surgical instruments during transportation, storage and after clinical use (GUID 5010)

This guidance has been developed based on a stakeholder approved brief that highlighted concerns over management of surgical instruments before and after decontamination and the need for clear guidance.

Part A: the advice note for planning is concerned with the room design requirements for storage of sterile packs/trays in clinical facilities. The advice note for planning is aimed at designers, estates and clinical staff.

Part B: the operational guidance for theatre staff is concerned with the handling of sterile packs/trays received from the Central Decontamination Unit (CDU) and the handling of surgical instruments after use and transport to the CDU. The operational guidance is intended for staff who have responsibility for receiving, storing and using sterile pack/trays (e.g. theatre managers, stores personnel, theatre staff and porters).

Reference can be made to the NHSScotland guide to the carriage of dangerous goods regulations with respect to used medical devices published by HFS in December 2013.

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