The Sterilized Material Center (CME) is a fundamental service in health establishments, being responsible for cleaning, preparing, sterilizing and distributing medical and hospital materials. Handling sterilized materials is one of the most important steps in this process, as it ensures patient and health professional safety.
Sterile materials are those that have undergone a sterilization process, which aims to eliminate all microorganisms present, including bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores. This process can be carried out through different methods, such as moist heat (autoclave), dry heat (stove), radiation, chemicals, among others.
After sterilization, the material is considered sterile and is ready to be used. However, it is essential that these materials are handled properly to avoid contamination and ensure their effectiveness. Incorrect handling can compromise sterilization and endanger the patient's health.
There are some important recommendations for handling sterilized materials. Firstly, it is essential that the health professional is properly dressed, with gloves, a mask and an apron. In addition, it is important that hands are sanitized before and after handling materials.
The sterilized material must be carefully removed from the packaging to avoid contamination. It is important to check the integrity of the package and the sterilization indicator, which shows whether the process was carried out properly. If the package is damaged or the indicator is not the right color, the material should not be used.
The sterilized materials must be stored in clean, dry places and protected from light. They must be organized in such a way that it is easy to identify the sterilization date and expiration date. In addition, it is important that storage is done so that the oldest materials are used first.
When using the material, it is important that the health professional is careful not to touch the parts that will come into contact with the patient. If this happens, the material may become contaminated and sterilization may be compromised.
Another important aspect is the transport of sterilized materials. They must be transported in clean and dry carts or trays to avoid contamination. In addition, it is important that the transport is carried out carefully, to avoid falling or damaging the materials.
In summary, the handling of sterilized materials is a fundamental step in CME. It must be performed carefully and appropriately to ensure the safety of both the patient and the healthcare professional. Therefore, it is essential that nursing professionals are well trained and updated on the best practices for handling sterilized materials.
Therefore, the CME - Central of Sterilized Material in Nursing course from basic to advanced is an excellent opportunity for health professionals to improve their knowledge and skills in the area, contributing to the quality and safety of health services.< /p>