Joint Commission’s Quick Safety Issue 65 on managing packaged sterile supplies, devices

Editor's Note

On June 14, The Joint Commission issued a new Quick Safety report to provide guidance for managing and storing packaged sterile supplies. Organizations must identify the best location to store supplies so staff can readily access them, and ensure the supplies are being stocked to the most optimal par levels and that items have not passed their expiration dates.

Here are the considerations included in the report:

• Device labeling

This includes all labels and other written printed or graphic information on the equipment, device, or wrapper that includes but is not limited to instructions for use (IFU). The Joint Commission requires that organizations follow the manufacturer’s written IFU. A device label may include important symbols that will assist the end user to easily understand key information about the item at a glance.

• Hierarchical approach

Such an approach to infection prevention can guide practices around storage for packaged sterile supplies and devices. The hierarchy is as follows:

1. Making sure organizations are compliant with all building code, ventilation, sterile room requirements;
2. Determining if the facility must meet Conditions of Participation (CoP) or Conditions for Coverage (CfC)
3. Following manufacturer’s IFU;
4. Using evidence-based guidelines and national standards for further guidance on how sterile supplies should be stored.

For more safety actions to consider, download the Quick Safety Issue 65 here.