Equipment / Instruments
Unit 10: Cleaning & Sterilizing
Topic 2: Packaging for Sterilization
Pack ready for sterilizing
Instruments and equipment such as drapes and gowns are usually packaged into "packs" according to their intended use. They are usually wrapped disposable polypropelene wrap, re-usable linen, or porous individual packets of paper and heat stable plastic (laminate packs). They should be packaged to allow complete steam penetration. They should be sterilized with their box locks open, and complex instruments should be dissembled. Instrument packages should be placed on edge vertically within the sterilizer with space between them.
A number of materials are available for packaging instruments and equipment for sterilizing.
These materials must:
- be resistant to damage during handling and storage
- allow the sterilant to penetrate
- allow the exhaustion of the sterilant after the sterilizing cycle
- not allow penetration of the package by microorganisms
Seal-and-peel Laminate packs
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Laminate packs are single-use pre-cut sizes or on rolls consisting of a paper back and a clear heat stable plastic front.
Laminate/Window packaging (Seal-and-peel) - They are available in a range of sizes and are suitable for both steam and gas sterilizing.
Paper bags
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Paper bags (medical grade) are economical but not impervious to moisture and only useful for light objects.
Paper bags
Woven cotton (140 muslin) or 50:50 Polyester cotton
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Poly/Cotton Woven Wrap - Often used to wrap larger instruments sets and packs of drapes and gowns.
- Cheap and reusable. Easily contaminated.
- Barrier qualities are lost when wrapping or packs are exposed to moisture.
Polypropylene material
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Non woven, disposable materials that are water repellent or resistant is now commonly used to wrap instruments and gowns.
Polypropylene wrap - Strong material, with excellent barrier qualities.
- Single use only.
- Relatively cheap when compared to the washing, drying, folding, resterilizing and labour intensity to re-process linen.
