What are the regulations and procedures regarding the transport of sterile goods from the CSSD to other facilities, and is there any special guidelines regarding the drivers of said transport?

Dear,

As I couldn't find any reference, this is what I would suggest. The most logical solution seems to me to go out from a 3 trap concept:

1. a closed wagon funtions as transport packaging,
2. in these wagons we place the carts covered with a disposable or re-usable cover (distribution packaging),
3. the instrument trays and individual medical devices are hung in a mechanical packaging (basket) in their direct enclosing packaging in those carts.

After delivery of the sterile goods, you can use the same configuration - without direct enclosing packaging - for the transport of the dirty instruments. Wagons, carts and baskets have to be washed and desinfected before they are used again for the transport of clean and/or sterile goods. The drivers of course should have a notion of the carefully handling of sterile products.

I hope my considerations can help you.

Kind regards,
Wim Renders

Dear Sir,

As an answer to your question Q 000-102, I want to make the following remarks:

As far as I am aware, there are no European norms in relation to external transport of sterile medical supplies. I am using an extract of a "Field norm", which was compiled by the VKSB (Vereninging van Kleine Sterilisatie Bedrijven = Association of Small Sterilization Companies, based in the Netherlands). As a certified foundation for sterilization, the procedures as described in this norm, are up to now, verified during periodical audits, which we have to undergo and of which the requirements we have to comply with.

• We are using the same transport unit (truck) for both contaminated as well as sterile medical supplies.
• Our truck does not have separate compartments.
• The truck only is used for the transport of medical supplies
• The truck needs to be made materials with a of a smooth finish of non moist absorbing material
• In the loading area there should be no locations where dust can settle down, or where there are inaccessible areas
• The loading area of the truck should be provided with a sanitary skirting board
• A strict schedule with procedures of maintenance and cleaning should be followed up and should be verified by the responsible person.

NB
Most members of the VKSB are laundries, which transport dirty, clean and sterile linen. They are using open wire containers for dirty linen. That is why they consider it essential to transport the dirty and clean/sterile linen separately.
Our organization at all times uses well closed aluminium transport trolleys.
Because of this our opinion is that clean and dirty transport can take place in the same truck.

Concerning the transport of Sterile Medical Supplies within our facility, we comply with Dutch Guideline R5402-1: "Transport of medical supplies within facilities"

Judith Lambregtse, Combister, Delft, The Netherlands