Course Code: REL-ACU-0-INVMCSD
Hours: 1
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2028
Learning Objectives:
Identify the primary causes of sterile inventory loss and the factors that compromise sterility.
Discuss the correct best practice for storing, rotating, transporting, and replenishing sterile inventory in scenario-based activities.
Define different inventory management methods, such as PAR levels, case carts, RFID, and barcoding, to determine their benefits and limitations for efficiency, cost, and patient safety.
Outline:
Section 1: Fundamentals of Sterile Inventory
Nightshift
Understanding Inventory
What Is Inventory?
Hospital Supply Chain
Inventory Items
Flow of Supplies
Quality and Cost of Inventory
Efficiency, Effort, Expense, and Waste
Review
Eight Types of Waste
Reducing Waste
Standardization
Benefits of Standardization
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 2: Maintaining, Storing, and Transporting Inventory
Sterile Inventory Loss
Primary Causes of Sterile Inventory Loss
Shelf Life
Event-Related Sterility
Receiving and Inspection
Breakout Process
Post–Breakout Handling
Entering and Retrieving Sterile Inventory
Review
Sterilized In-House Storage
Cooling Process After Sterilization
Tray Storage Guidelines
Review
Transporting Sterile Inventory
Preventing Damage and Contamination
Carts
Transport Precautions
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Inventory Management
Surgeon Preference Cards and Standardization
Inventory Location and Rotation
Inventory Distribution
The Six “Rights” of Inventory Distribution
Inventory Replenishment
Requisition Systems
Review
Case Carts
Types of Case Cart Systems
Benefits of Case Cart Systems
Inventory Tracking
Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)
Barcode Tracking Systems
Key Takeaways
Section 4: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Information
Course Contributor
References
Subject Matter Expert: Brandy Verton, BSN, RN, CNOR
Brandy is a certified perioperative nurse with a background in both scrub and circulator roles across a variety of surgical specialties. She earned her BSN with summa cum laude honors from Capella University and has served as a Surgical Services Clinical Educator and Periop 101 instructor. Her early clinical experience on a postoperative and medical-surgical overflow unit shaped her commitment to patient-centered care and team collaboration. Throughout her career, she has contributed to hospital committees and process improvement efforts focused on safety, education, and quality outcomes. Brandy is passionate about creating practical, real-world education that helps clinicians feel supported in their work, build confidence in their skills, and continue delivering safe, effective care.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Central Sterile Personnel; in the following settings: Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)/Outpatient Surgical Centers, Hospitals: Acute, Hospitals: Critical Access (CAHs).
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All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.