A SHELF-LIFE TRIAL: EXAMINING THE EFFICACY OF EVENT RELATED STERILITY PRINCIPLES AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Abstract

This study set out to test the hypotheses that: 1) stock sterilised in a central sterilizing supply department using the guidelines from the Australian Standards (AS4187) will not become contaminated over two years unless it is exposed to an event; and, 2) a variety of packaging types can be used successfully in maintaining a sterile barrier over the two year trial period. A random controlled, time series, repeated measures design was used to test the hypotheses. Four hundred items were sterilised, wrapped in three different pack types, stored and regularly handled by nurses over a two-year period. Forty items were randomly selected for sterility testing each three months over the two years. The results showed that there was no contamination of stock over two years related either to time or the pack type used. Given that many nurses work in and manage CSSDs and many nurses use sterile stock in their work there are significant implications for nursing practice emanating from the findings. It was also calculated that the costs of meeting the Australian Standard AS4187 were reduced over the two year trial by up to 2400% by using event related sterility principles and an evidence based approach to the choice of packaging materials used in management of sterile stock.