In the war against microbes, one of the mightiest weapons is the steam sterilizer. Steam, considered the ideal sterilant, is recommended for sterilizing devices that are heat and moisture stable. Steam is nontoxic, readily available, and low in cost relative to other technologies. With the exception of prions, the particles…

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An OR specimen was transported to the laboratory. The lab called to say there was no specimen in the container. The specimen was a completely excised ovarian mass. A patient had two specimens excised from her breast. The specimens were sent to radiology for x-ray. The lab reported that only…

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New high-tech scanners, once seen only in major medical centers, are making their way into more hospitals. The rapid 3-D imaging takes the OR far beyond fluoroscopy. Surgeons say they can improve results and make surgery safer. Before the patient leaves the OR, they can scan the brain to make…

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With more minimally invasive surgery, the C-arm has become a regular resident in the OR. Surgeons rely on imaging during cases to guide implant placement and other critical aspects of surgery. How much radiation are OR teams being exposed to, and what safety measures should they be taking? Safety pointers…

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Imagine scrubbing in for a spine case without lead aprons. Imagine taking a scan of the spine at the beginning of surgery that gives images so precise further imaging isn't needed during the case. These are advantages of the new O-shaped portable computed tomography (CT) scanners, which provide real-time 3-D…

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In an election year, Washington, DC, is the focal point for leadership, so it's fitting that from Oct 29 to 31, it became a hub for OR nurse leaders from across the US and as far away as New Zealand. Nearly 800 OR managers and directors attended the 21st annual…

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A work group of Minnesota hospitals and health systems has developed a step-by-step protocol for preventing retained foreign objects. The protocol includes a detailed flow sheet with recommendations for each step. Processes are spelled out for performing and recording counts and taking x-rays, among other things. The protocol is based…

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Health care facilities like other businesses face tough economic headwinds. Tightening credit, plummeting investment values, and the prospect of less philanthropic giving make for a difficult financial climate. There's also likely to be more uncompensated care as unemployment rises, and state Medicaid programs cut back. OR directors and business managers,…

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Sacred Heart Hospital's new MRI-equipped OR. Stainless steel doors enable the scanner also to be used for diagnostics. Sophisticated intraoperative imaging suites, with their special facility needs and high cost, are usually found in academic medical centers. But a community hospital in Wisconsin has installed an intraoperative MRI and is…

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OR managers making a major conversion such as an endomechanical or a suture manufacturer change, face as much pressure as an Olympic athlete. Setting up for a successful conversion begins with understanding a simple equation. "You have to look at 2 components when doing conversions—logistics, or the supply chain side,…

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Estimated ASC payment change by specialty Percent change from 2008 rates at blended rate. Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Medicare issued its final 2009 policies and payment rates for ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) Oct 30, 2008. The changes issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)…

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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published the long-awaited final revision of the ambulatory surgery center (ASC) conditions for coverage (CfCs) on Oct 30, 2008. The CfCs spell out the rules for ASCs participating in Medicare. They were issued as part of a larger rule that includes updates…

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