DEAR SIR/MADAM,

IS THERE A SPECIFIC SIZE OF TRAY WRAP REQUIRED TO COVER A THEATRE TROLLEY SAFELY? IF SO! WHAT SIZE OF OVERLAP IS REQUIRED TO PROTECT THE INTEGRITY OF THE STERILE FIELD, BEARING IN MIND THAT THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT SIZES OF TROLLEYS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT DIFFERENT HOSPITALS. THUS IT IS THE OVERLAPPED MEASUREMENT I AM INTERESTED IN. I AM CONVINCED THERE MUST BE A SPECIFIC LEGALLY SAFE REQUIREMENT. I WOULD BE GRATEFUL IF YOU COULD ASSIST ME WITH THE ABOVE

YOURS FAITHFULLY
S. MCGRANAGHAN
THEATRE SCRUB STAFF NURSE.
STOCKPORT

Hello S. McGranaghan,

Many years ago, as a Theatre student nurse I was told "Draped tables are only sterile at table level." This means it is irrelevant how far the wrap extends over the edge as long as it doesn't contact the floor.
Wondering if there are new rules I have spoken to experts and searched around for current guidelines. The recommendation is still the same. See the most detailed answer given by Dorothy Fogg, RN, MA, PeriOperative nursing specialist, AORN Center for Nursing Practice on AORN Online: Journal: November 2002 clinical Issues
www.aorn.org/journal/2002/novci.htm

Best regards
Josy Holdener

Tray wrap should not be used as a trolley cover, wrapping materials meet standards as such, and not as trolley covers. Trolley covers need to be impervious, whereas wraps need to allow steam through for autoclaving.

New standard being written for theatres, does cover this issue.

Regards.
Lynne Adamson