System for management of processed instruments

Abstract

An automated system to identify, analyze and record information associated with disinfection and / or sterilization procedures. Individual processing and client devices communicate via a computer network. The client devices such as desktop computers terminals, hand-held devices and / or process devices such as sterilizers, autoclaves, washing and / or disinfection devices are distributed among a health care facility more specifically disinfection and / or sterilization facilities that require processing of surgical instruments. The network server exchanges a variety of information with client devices as well as disinfection and / or sterilization equipment. In response to information from equipment and / or client devices, the network server may trigger decision messages to equipment and / or client devices, as well as generate reports for record keeping or maintenance purposes. The information distributed by the network server may pertain to the operation, maintenance and control of disinfection and sterilization equipment, characteristics and capabilities of instruments, and expert technical advice. The information received from the health care facilities includes requests for information, and process information documenting procedures performed within a health care, disinfection and / or sterilization facility.

Description

technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of processors for appliances, including sterilizers, sterilizers, washing machines and the like. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for tracking the contents of a container, such as a box for containing an item or appliance placed in a processor and confirming that the contents of the container have undergone processing. Background technique

[0002] It is known to use boxes to hold items to be sterilized. For example, medical instruments to be sterilized may be placed in a box and the box and items placed in a sterilization chamber to be sterilized. Now, the operator maintains a log of what is placed in the box and the process that that content will go through. This log can be kept on a computer or simply a paper record.

[0003] One problem with existing processes is that they rely heavily on the efficiency of operators to record items placed in or removed from boxes and mainta...

Images