Clarification on Sterile stock definition / Storage requirements to comply with AS 4187 for Humidity & temperature Control.

[Sally Holmes]

Hi all,
I am a lead assessor for the NSQHS and I was at an multi- site private organisation yesterday that had a consultancy review recently of all locations by a highly reputable Infection Control Consultant .

I viewed the report and there was no recommendations about storage of sterile prepacked consumables such as IV Cannulas, IV fluids, Sterile needles , dressing packs, sterile dressings etc that were stored in a cupboard with closed doors on solid surfaces / shelving . The items had been removed from the card board store packs and this sterile stock was stored separately from non-sterile stock such as linen sheets , blue sheets , urinary catheter bags, IV giving sets in multiple cupboards. There were not clear reference to manufactured sterile stock being stored as per the manufacturers quoted temperature and humidity guidelines for storage or the special specific requirements for storing sterile stock within the clinical area (anaesthetic bays recovery area and wards) in the consultancy report for full compliance commencing 2023..

I though sterile stock as listed can no longer be stored in cupboards as sighted at this organisation after the end of this year?

All RMD and commercial pre-packs were stored appropriately on shelving in monitored HEPA Filtered airconditioned Sterile stock rooms in CSSD with appropriate pressure exchanges on Stainless Steel wire shelving.

Could an expert please advise on whether the storage of sterile consumable stock such as sutures, IV Fluids & Dressings in cupboards as described above is appropriate if they monitor the temperature and humidity & have processes to ensure routine cleaning & sterility is maintained?

The organisation stated they had been advised by the ” Consultant ” that this would be acceptable and referred me to the 100 page Consultancy report and action plan for compliance with National Infection Control requirements and standards. There were no recommendations re this sterile stock storage situation in cupboards and this Site believe they are fully compliant for AS/ NZ 4187 , stating they do the same everywhere .

Please help as I am now confused and about to start the process of having all our cupboards that had sterile stock stored in the wards ,anaesthetic bays removed and replaced with appropriate stainless-steel wire shelving or baskets etc?

Kind Regards

[cid:image002.jpg@01D8D258.9853E6A0]Sally Holmes
Quality Manager and Infection Control & Prevention Coordinator
Lakeview Private Hospital|17-19 Solent Circuit Norwest NSW 2153
http://www.lakeviewprivate.com.au

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