Single-basin disc drape
For one slush basin with an auto-stir. The disc is bonded to the bottom of the drape.
Surgical slush drapes, and how to get the right one every time.
The drape is the sterile part of every slush machine. Here’s how to match it to your machine, seat it right, avoid tears and leaks, and keep your cost per case down.
Four kinds of slush drapes
Which one you need depends on how many basins your machine has and whether its slush basin has an auto-stir.
Single-basin plain drape
For manual machines with no auto-stir. No disc, sized to the basin.
Dual-basin drape
One drape covering two slush basins, each with its own disc on auto-stir machines.
Slush and warmer combination
Covers a slush basin and a heated basin together, so one drape sets up the whole machine.
Drapes aren’t universal. Basin size, shape and disc design vary between machines, so always order a drape listed for your exact make and model.
How a slush drape is seated
The general sequence on most machines. Your drape’s instructions for use always come first.
Most drape problems start here. A disc that isn’t centered, or a drape that isn’t pressed against the basin wall, means slow slush or a tear.
Inspect the pack
Check the expiration date, the sterilization indicator and the packaging for tears or moisture.
Open it aseptically
Follow your facility’s technique so the drape stays sterile as it’s unfolded.
Center the disc
On auto-stir machines, lower the drape so the disc sits squarely on the stir mechanism.
Press it to the basin
The drape should lie smoothly against the basin wall. Air gaps slow the freeze.
Drape the cabinet
Let the rest fall over the top and down the sides of the machine.
Add sterile saline
The sterile team pours it into the draped basin, and the machine does the rest.
Know your cost per case
The machine is bought once. Drapes are bought on every case, so a small difference per drape adds up fast.
What a lower drape price is worth
Enter how many slush cases you run and the price difference you’re comparing. The math is simple, but the yearly number usually gets a purchasing team’s attention.
Common drape problems
Written from the machine side, by someone who builds them.
Ice sheets on the walls but won’t break free
Usually the disc isn’t centered on the stir, or the drape has no disc on an auto-stir machine. Re-seat it per the instructions for use and confirm the stir is on. If it still won’t move, the machine needs service.
Slush is slow to form
Air trapped between the drape and the basin insulates the saline. Press the drape smoothly against the wall. If the drape is seated well, check the machine’s condenser for dust and blocked airflow.
The drape tears or leaks
Common causes are sharp instruments in the basin, a disc seated off-center so the drape is stressed, or a damaged pack. Replace the drape and follow your sterility policy.
The drape doesn’t fit the basin
It’s likely made for a different model. Check the compatibility list on the label against the make and model on your machine’s cabinet.
Common questions
- What is a surgical slush drape?
- A sterile, transparent, single-use drape that lines the refrigerated basin of a slush machine. It becomes the sterile container that holds the saline while the machine freezes it into slush.
- Do I need a drape with a disc?
- If your machine has an auto-stir, yes. Look at the center of the empty basin: a round plate or post there means auto-stir. Manual machines use a drape without a disc.
- Are slush drapes universal?
- No. Basin size, shape and disc design vary, so the drape must be listed for your exact make and model.
- Can a slush drape be reused?
- No. They’re supplied sterile for one procedure and discarded afterward.
- Can I buy drapes on my GPO contract?
- Often, yes. Most US hospitals buy through Vizient, Premier or HealthTrust. Tell us yours in the form and we’ll route your request to match.
- Are you the manufacturer?
- No. This is an independent guide. Pricing requests go to a manufacturer or authorized supplier who can quote them.
Get slush drape pricing
Tell us your machine and how many drapes you use. Your request goes to a manufacturer or authorized supplier who can quote it, including on your GPO contract.