HospitalInspections.org

Based on observations and interviews the Hospital failed to consistently adhere to infection control practices related to the storage of laryngoscope blades and the use of biohazard bags.

1.) The Surveyor observed the Airway Cart in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at 8:30 A.M. on 1/31/17. The laryngoscope blades were stored in a clear plastic bag with a sticker that indicated the package was not to be opened until ready to use. There were three unwrapped blades that remained in the drawer.

The Surveyor interviewed the Manager of the Central Processing Department (CPD) at 2:00 P.M. on 1/31/17. The Manager of the CPD said that the laryngoscope blades underwent high level disinfection (a disinfection process that removes all bacteria except spores) then were individually packaged and a sticker was applied. The Manager of the CPD said when the packages were opened the laryngoscopes would need to be returned to CPD for reprocessing.

2.) The Surveyor observed the Patient nourishment refrigerator in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit at 8:50 A.M. on 1/31/17. There were four zip-lock bags with the universal biohazard symbol embedded on each bag. Three biohazard bags contained chilled blankets and one contained a cooled banana for patient consumption. Use of a biohazard bag is strictly reserved for potentially biohazardous contents.