HospitalInspections.org

Based on findings from document review, observation and interview, hospital staff did not implement generally accepted standards of infection control regarding the storage of laryngoscope blades. This could lead to contaminated patient equipment available for patient use.

Findings include:

-- Per review of hospital policy and procedure (P&P) titled "Infection Prevention," dated 5/2014, it indicated that laryngoscope blades are to be kept free from contamination until the time of use. Each blade should be stored individually to eliminate the potential of contaminating multiple blades and each blade should be contained in a closed plastic bag or peel plack with a date of last high level disinfecting or sterilization.

-- Per observation on 12/5/17 at 9:45 am, the crash cart located on the Intensive Care Unit, contained 4 laryngoscopes blades that were not wrapped in sealed sterile packaging. Staff A (registered nurse) was present at the time of observation and acknowledged the finding.