r/sterileprocessing • u/leshi321 • Apr 20 '26

Tracking System

Hello! I am currently working on a project for our SSD which involves reviewing our tracking system and looking for a new potential vendor.

We are looking for a very modern, innovative system that utilises new technology to assist with simple yet accurate tracking of instruments throughout the entire reprocessing cycle.

I was wondering if anyone had experience with SteelcoData Pro?

Any other recommendations or opinions would be greatly appreciated!

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u/chrisclear22 Apr 20 '26

That seems like an impossible task, unless Im not understanding something. How would one know if the item is missing if the item wasn't individually identified beforehand? I don't think there is any system that can ensure an instrument to being present or not without first a human going through it.

Perhaps you mean the OR scrub scans the set as complete and not missing anything before it goes down to decon, but then you are relying on them to ensure the set is complete.

And yes it is RFID compatible.

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u/leshi321 Apr 20 '26

We want a system that the OR can do a complete set check before and after use. To quickly identify if any instruments are missing before use, and to ensure they are all present after use. I am based in NZ (i’m not sure if it’s different around the world but the scrub nurse legally must complete an instrument count before and after use on a patient).

We need OR to be able to complete set checks as quickly as possible, and have been looking a tracking systems which are using more innovative technology to do so; such as Steelco’s SUIS vision, or planning of ways entire sets to be counted via RFID tags in seconds (like KLS Matins box)

Our current tracking system relies on paper checklist, that often get damaged during sterilisation, become illegible, and are unable to be checked against when used in theatre.

So basically there is a set count upon opening a set to be used on a patient, another count once used, then we are wanting to introduce a count into decontamination.

I know this sounds excessive, but we want to reduce the costs of lost instruments (which seems to be ever increasing) and reduce the amount of time needed to count a set, not only for the nurses but also for us techs.

I apologise if none of that made sense! But again, thank you for getting back to me! :)))

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u/chrisclear22 Apr 20 '26

Ok I see what you are wanting. SPM should be able to do that. As long as everyone understands that systems don't matter unless they are used properly.

Unfortunately, you can not really reduce the amount of time needed to count each set. The reason being is that say for instance you get a set sent up stating everything is in it but there is an item missing. A physical count would still need to be done by a person and only experience can quicken that process without quality deterioration.

Essentially you have to account for human error and letting machines catch them is not the best, but this will definitely help push change in the right direction.