Gel pads are very important in preventing the patients from falling off during surgical operations, and at the same time making the patient comfortable. More precisely, supine position gel pads are intended for reduction of pressure points, prevention of nerve damage and enhancement of patient positioning. Great care should be taken on these pads to ensure that they last long and work as they should be working. That is how we can properly care for gel pads in the operating room.

1. Cleaning and Disinfection

This is the right process to ensure that gel pads do not get spoiled by bacteria or get spoiled in any way since cleaning is very important in ensuring that all items used in operation are kept clean. The pads should be washed with mild soapy water and rinsed thoroughly after each use is over. It is also prohibited to apply abrasive materials or chemically intense substances as they can demand the gel material. However, avoid using a hard scraper or any other abrasive surfaces, to clean the surface, instead, use a soft cloth or sponge and wash gently.

After that, the pads should be disinfected in order to prevent the reproduction of bacteria and other microorganisms. Clean with a disinfectant solution capable of working in hospitals but is safe for the silicon gel pads. To achieve optimum microbial eradication, dilution and contact times should be done strictly as recommended by the manufacturer. This step is most crucial in avoiding a contagious patient to spread the disease to other patients.

2. Storage Practices

To maximize the use of gel pads , they need to be stored properly to increase its periods of usage. To eliminate potential problems of mold or bacterial formations on the pads, the pads must also be dried well before storage after washing. Tuck gel pads flat or leave them in their commercial packaging, mostly, they must not be exposed to heat or sunlight as this will lead to decaying of the gel.

As for the pads, it may be unhygienic to leave them anywhere within the car, but is best to store them in an easily accessible, neat area. Do not rest other heavy items on them because it tends to deformed the gel which lowers its usability in surgeries.

3. Inspection Before Use

Before each application of the gel pads, examine the pads for abnormality on the surface as well as brittleness in the material used. These problems can hamper the usability of the pads with the aim of giving comfort during surgeries and providing support. In any case, if the pad is found damaged it should be replaced to help protect patients from any harm.

4. Handling Guidelines

Gel pads should also not be manipulated or squeezed since doing so may cause puncture or tear of the pads. Some recommended precautions when handling the pad to avoid contamination include: proper use of hands or gloves, while moving or placing the pads. Do not slide them across the surface because this will cause abrasion to the skin. However, for better organization and support of the structure of the pads, use your hand to lift the pads and put them in their right places.

5. Training Staff

Information about gel pad handling particularly to the operating room staff is crucial hence the need for training. These special training can – from time to time – assist in making people aware of the necessity of cleanliness and the measures that need to be taken for correct cleaning and storage. The best gel pads are those that are detected by the knowledgeable staff, therefore, increasing overall patient safety of gel pads.

6. Regular Replacement

Despite giving due care, gel pads have limited durability. Introduce inspection cycles in which the condition of the gel pads can be evaluated and frequency of replacement can be based. It is important to replace them more often if the operating rooms are highly active and regularly in use as compared to others. It is also possible to make your silicon gel pad more durable through choosing high quality Gel pads because silicone is usually more resistant, thus more durable, compared to other materials.

Conclusion

These precautions refer to supine position gel pads and silicon gel pads In particular; gel pads should be stored correctly and used properly to enhance the quality of gel pads and to protect the interests of the patients during surgery. This way, surgical teams will be able to maintain their tools clean, well-stored and checked for injury, handled with care, their staff made aware of the correct procedures and replaced frequently enough; thus improving surgical outcomes and patients’ comfort.