ESU Pad Documentation - What is your policy?

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Hello, We use computerized charting in HSM, and we currently do not document the lot # from the grounding pads. The question has been raised, and we can not find evidence based practice on this, or the standard of care. I know that it use to always be documented, but due to tech advances, and the new pads and bovie machines used, documenting the lot # didn't seem to be necessary because the machine alerts when there is an issue with the pad. Does anyone know what is the best practice or if this is necessary anymore? Does anyone have references for this or where we can find some information on this to make educated decision? It is not stated clearly in the AORN standards. Any help would be great!

Lymac10

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I have never worked at a place that documents the lot number. Just location placed and skin assessment of the area.

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Hello, We use computerized charting in HSM, and we currently do not document the lot # from the grounding pads. The question has been raised, and we can not find evidence based practice on this, or the standard of care. I know that it use to always be documented, but due to tech advances, and the new pads and bovie machines used, documenting the lot # didn't seem to be necessary because the machine alerts when there is an issue with the pad. Does anyone know what is the best practice or if this is necessary anymore? Does anyone have references for this or where we can find some information on this to make educated decision? It is not stated clearly in the AORN standards. Any help would be great!

Lymac10

Don't have a reference but we document the bovie pad lot number.

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Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

I've never documented a lot number for an ESU pad. Just the unit itself and location, plus a quick skin assessment before placing and after removal.

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at my facility we always document lot number and expiration number along with a skin assessment pre and post procedure along with ESU settings.

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In our electronic record, we document ESU machine serial number, settings, pad location, pre-op and post-op skin condition.

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Specializes in Operating room, Pediatrics.
at my facility we always document lot number and expiration number along with a skin assessment pre and post procedure along with ESU settings.

We do this as well. We document lot #'s in the event of a recall.

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