Hi all , i am hoping to try change our use of pulp based drug trays to reusable ones in theatres . However, there is limited information if plastic reusable trays themselves are more carbon intensive . Also, i have read pulp trays used for drug preparations cannot be recycled. Is there any resources related to this or has anyone already done something similar?
Reusable drug preparation trays in anaesthetics
Comments (10)
Hi Sangeetha! We also have the same goal here in Sydney, and in 2022 we investigated our options and the approved outcome was to use re-usable steel ones, and have them processed through the sterilisation unit each day. We had to request additional sterilisation paid staff hours for the added work, but exec are supportive.
Hi, we switched to re-useable trays about 4 years ago - great savings financially and CO2. We have colour coded trays - red for emergency drugs (so enhanced patient safety ) . blue for IV drugs, yellow for local anaesthetics, and a larger green tray for airway equipment. I really encourage you to take this (small but effective) step!
Hi Sangeetha. When pulp is macerated it goes into the plumbing system - so not recycled.
We have been using reusable anaesthetic trays for several years. We use plastic trays and decontaminate them with a disinfectant wipe between patients and at the end of the day. No need for the trays to be sterile as administration of anaesthetic meds is an aseptic non-touch technique.
hi deb .Thanks so much for responding. did you do a cost or carbon analysis of using plastic tray and disinfectant wipe ? I was worrying overall it might end up being more . am still looking to find LCA on these trays .
Hi. As it was several years ago, we did not look at off setting the carbon at that time. However, the trays are very robust and if they are looked after, they will last for a long time and some of them have been in use for the whole of that time. - only replaced if damaged/lost. You could discuss disinfection and cleaning with IP Team, as if the key parts for meds administration are protected as they should be for ANTT, they will not be contaminated by the tray at all.
An alternative would be to use a metal tray/receiver and disinfect that after use - The metal could be recycled at the end of its life 🙂
Strictly speaking, the cardboard pulp trays cannot be recycled or put in the macerator as they may contain drug residue and so must go in the clinical waste. Also, little bits of cardboard dust could get into the syringe so it's much better to use a plastic tray and wipe it after use.
hi James ! thanks for that info .it would help if I could find any reference for this. When I discuss in department I was told these are recyclables so better than potentially costlier/and creating more plastic .
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We are also making that small step but I love the fact that you arranged colour coded. Do you mind sharing the company? Thanks
hi Sarah , this is exactly what I wanted to do ! do you mind sharing your data ? can I get in touch with you personally to discuss this?
sangeetha - hi
yes happy for you to email sarahbailey22@nhs.net Where do you work and in what capacity? I will be away for a week of AL so wont reply for a bit, thanks for your interest.