ROP Screenings: Current Practice - Best Practice

Examinations for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) have been identified as predictors of hospital-acquired infection in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Reports in the scientific literature have linked ROP exams to bacterial and adenoviral conjunctivitis outbreaks, as well as serious, life-threatening, non-ocular neonatal infection. Some of these adverse events have been linked to inappropriate instrument management and sterilization. Investigators have concluded that the assurance of an adequate supply of sterile instruments, i.e. a separate, sterile instrument set for each examination, could decrease the risk of infection among immunocompromised premature infants. In January 2013, the  American Academy of Pediatrics published a revised policy statement (click here to connect) , Screening Examination of Premature Infants for Retinopathy of Prematurity. Included is a recommendation that “sterile instruments should be used to examine each infant to avoid possible cross-contamination of infectious agents.”

Compliance with these recommendations, as well as those from the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) regarding the management of semicritical ophthalmic devices can often be problematic in a busy NICU. A survey of 300 NICUs documented widespread, inconsistent management of reusable ROP instruments and inadequate sterilization practices –- and an associated increase in reporting of infection.

Safer for Patient

• Reduces risk of nosocomial infections
  
• New, sterile instruments always available for each examiation
  
• Eliminates risk from
  > improperly sterilized instruments
  > corneal toxicity from cleansers
  > outside instruments brought into the hospital
  > instruments compromised by wear and tear
• Specifically designed to meet the unique needs in examining the eyes of premature infants
• Highest quality surgical materials: DEHP-free, Latex-free, PVC-free
• Facilitates compliance with infection control guidelines

Simplifies Instrument Management, Saves Caregiver Time

• Single-use peel packs, in boxes of 20 for easy dispensing
• Eliminates time and inconvenience of gathering, processing, sterilizing and distributing reusable instruments
• Eliminates problems resulting from instrument loss
• Promotes standardization and best practice
  

The MORIA Disposable ROP Examination Kit enables hospitals to provide a safer, higher standard of care.  It has been well received by NICUs and ophthalmologists, and, to date, incorporated into the practice of leading NICUs in 30 states, in the USA.

MORIA Disposable ROP Examination Kit:

Single-use ophthalmic speculum and depressor in a sterile peel-pack for retinopathy of prematurity exams

Click here to view ...
The Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening Examination: Ensuring a Safe and Efficient Examination While Examining Infant Discomfort.
Neonatal Network May/June 2010