Q&A: Clarifying IC.02.02.01 EP2 (Open pan poststerilization)

Q: During our recent survey, a surveyor sited open flash pans poststerilization being transported without a cover. How can I clarify this?

A: Consider the following in this case for a clarification:

• Are the flash pans really open to air postprocessing or is a sterile towel placed on top when passing through the substerile room and into the operating room?
• Are the CDC guidelines being followed in the sterilization process? If pans are covered with a sterile towel postprocessing and CDC guidelines are maintained, you can overturn this finding by providing additional information.

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