At the 2025 Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) Conference, an impactful clinical improvement project from Kaiser Permanente Sacramento took the spotlight — “Enhancing Staff Safety in the Operating Room (OR): The Role of the Automatic Formalin Dispense Machine.”

This initiative directly addressed a persistent occupational hazard in perioperative settings: formalin exposure. Known for its toxic and carcinogenic risks, formalin poses a serious threat to OR staff during routine specimen handling. To combat this issue, the team implemented the UltraSAFE Automated Formalin Dispenser, a solution designed to reduce chemical exposure and improve handling efficiency.

• Significant Reduction in Exposure Incidents: Since implementing the UltraSAFE system, the number of formalin exposure incidents in the OR decreased dramatically.
• Improved Staff Confidence and Safety: OR staff reported feeling safer and more confident when handling specimens post-integration.
• Elimination of Formalin Spills: Since installing UltraSAFE in May of 2024, zero spills have occurred and chemical exposure for periop staff has gone from 13% to 0%. 
• Positive Feedback in Staff Surveys: Survey data revealed a marked drop in chemical exposure and a notable increase in staff satisfaction.

This project stands as a model of how technology, nurse-driven feedback, and thoughtful process improvement can align to enhance staff safety and patient care. It’s a powerful example of innovation in action — one that sets a new standard for excellence in the perioperative environment.