A Study on the Application of Unique-Code Identification Tags in the Central Sterile Supply Department

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of uniquely coded identification tags in the end-to-end management of reusable instruments in a Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD). Methods: Surgical instrument packs from our hospital’s CSSD were selected as the study subjects. This study applied custom-designed, high-temperature and high-pressure-resistant uniquely coded identification tags to establish a “one item, one code” information management system, enabling scan-based traceability throughout the entire process, including collection, cleaning, packaging, sterilization, distribution, and return. This study compared this approach with traditional identification methods using washcloths and tourniquets to assess cleaning quality, work efficiency, error rates, traceability coverage, and economic benefits. Results: After implementing the unique-code identification tags, the instrument cleaning pass rate increased from 96.2% to 99.8%, the incidence of foreign body residue dropped from 1.8% to 0, the time required for per-pack verification was reduced by 42%, the instrument configuration error rate decreased by 70%, end-to-end traceability coverage reached 100%, and the annual cost of labeling consumables was reduced by 61.9%. Conclusion: Unique-code identification tags can significantly enhance the precision, informatization, and standardization of Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) management, ensure the quality of cleaning and sterilization as well as clinical safety, and reduce operating costs; their implementation is recommended for hospitals at all levels.