Surgical trays must meet the stringent hygiene standards of the healthcare industry with routine cleaning and disinfection. Trays that cannot be thoroughly cleaned, sanitized, and dried risk the spread of infection throughout a healthcare setting. Healthcare facilities must select the right instrument trays for sterilization to deliver safe, responsible care.
We will explore the types of instrument trays available in the healthcare industry, the best sterilization trays for surgical instruments, and why stainless steel sterilization trays are ideal for a healthcare setting.
The Different Types of Instrument Trays
Selecting the ideal type of surgical tray for your application requires consideration of the types of medical components you intend to process and how you will move the trays throughout the facility. There are three primary types of instrument trays:- Perforated Tray: These trays are made from a stainless steel sheet metal with perforated holes to enable easier airflow.
- Mesh Tray: Wire mesh trays are constructed from stainless steel grade 316 or grade 304 and can be electropolished or passivated. They offer exceptional airflow for thorough sterilization and are a preferred choice throughout the healthcare industry for sorting medicines and instruments. The wire mesh is typically 4 openings per linear inch and is made of 0.063” wire diameter material.
- Divider Tray: These trays are ideal for sorting and storing instruments like scalpels, forceps, and scissors while drying. They typically include pockets for consistent presentation of items required in surgery.
Wire Mesh vs. Solid Metal Trays: Which Is Best for Surgical Instrument Sterilization?
Wire mesh trays offer several advantages as instrument trays compared to solid metal trays.Wire Mesh Trays Benefits
- Effective Sterilization: The structure of wire mesh trays facilitates thorough steam penetration for improved sterilization and faster drying of instruments.
- Improved Air Circulation: Wire mesh trays allow for better air circulation, reducing moisture buildup on instruments and inhibiting bacterial growth.
- Easy Inspection and Cleaning: Wire mesh trays allows users to visually inspect the instruments inside for damage and efficiently clean and sterilize instruments.
Drawbacks of Solid Metal Trays
- Potential for Poor Sterilization: Solid metal trays can reduce the effectiveness of steam sterilization and drying.
- Risk of Moisture Trapping: Solid metal trays can build up moisture, allowing bacteria and microorganisms to thrive.
- Limited Visibility: It can be challenging to visually inspect and account for instruments in solid metal trays.
Why Stainless Steel Is Ideal for Surgical Trays?
Stainless steel resists corrosion from materials like bodily fluids and cleaning agents. Grade 316 stainless steel, in particular, is preferred for healthcare applications due to its resistance to chlorides. Compared to aluminum trays, steel trays offer exceptional strength and can better withstand damage from bumping and dropping. Stainless steel also provides greater longevity, making it a long-lasting investment for the healthcare facility. For these reasons, stainless steel surgical trays can reduce the total cost of ownership with longer service times and easier sterilization compared to other tray materials.The Advantages of Sterilization Trays
Choosing the right sterilization trays can reduce sterilization times by up to 40%. Healthcare personnel also reduce the time spent organizing supplies and materials. With all sterilized instruments in the right place, Marlin’s trays can save time in an emergency, contributing to better quality care.In addition, the right sterilizing trays can significantly reduce the risk of contamination, resulting in better long-term health outcomes for patients.
Elevate Your Sterilization Process: Get Quality Instrument Trays From Marlin Steel
Sterilizing trays are available in several types according to material composition and dimensions. Stainless steel instrument trays with a wire mesh construction offer various advantages over other products, providing thorough cleaning, sterilization, and drying to reduce the spread of infection in a healthcare setting.Marlin Steel manufactures stainless steel surgical trays made 100% in the USA. We are ISO 9001:2015 certified to deliver industry-approved medical devices. Browse our stainless steel medical trays or contact us to speak with a team member about your surgical instrument tray needs.
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