Content provided in partnership with
Health Care Industry
Industry: Email Alert RSS FeedUsing peel packages inside containers or wrapped instrument trays
AORN Journal, Sept, 2007 by Mary Ogg
QUESTION: The sterile processing department at our facility has started using peel packages to separate the small, fine instruments in the trays. Is this an acceptable practice?
ANSWER: According to AORN's "Recommended practices for sterilization in the perioperative setting" and "Recommended practices for selection and use of packaging systems for sterilization" paper/plastic peel packaging should not be used inside containers or wrapped instrument trays. (1,2) Additional packaging materials inside an instrument tray can interfere with air removal and thus impede the sterilization and drying process. For proper sterilization, paper/plastic peel packages should be positioned on their edge for removal of air, adequate steam contact, and drying. In a containment device, proper positioning of paper/plastic peel pouches cannot be assured. (3)
The design of the packaging systems and the sterilization process should be compatible. (1) The sterility of the instruments cannot be assured unless the manufacturers of paper/plastic peel packaging, instrument wrap, and rigid containers have completed validation studies of this additional use of their products. (3)
Alternative products to contain small, fine instruments include
* small, mesh-bottom baskets with lids;
* foam products intended for this use; or
* a single-layer wrap if it has been validated by the container manufacturer.
A chemical indicator should be used inside the inner packages. (3)
Competencies for sterile processing department personnel should include proper selection and use of packaging, sterilization containers, and instrument wraps. Initial education should be provided during the orientation period, and proper use and compatibility of sterilization equipment and new technology and its applications should be presented during orientation and in ongoing educational programs. (1) Contact your packaging, instrument wrap, and container manufacturers for written instructions on the proper use of their products. (1)
REFERENCES
(1.) Recommended practices for sterilization in the perioperative setting. In: Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guidelines. Denver, CO: AORN, Inc; 2007:673-687.
(2.) Recommended practice for selection and use of packaging systems for sterilization. In: Standards, Recommended Practices, and Guidelines. Denver, CO: AORN, Inc; 2007:607-616.
(3.) Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. ANSI/AAMI ST79:2006--Comprehensive Guide to Steam Sterilization and Sterility Assurance in Health Care Facilities. Arlington, VA: Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation; 2006:60.
MARY OGG
RN, MSN, CNOR
PERIOPERATIVE NURSING SPECIALIST
AORN CENTER FOR NURSING PRACTICE
COPYRIGHT 2007 Association of Operating Room Nurses, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning
Find Research Guides for:
Find Featured Titles for: Arts
Most Popular Articles in Health
- Fuel your workout: exercisers who eat before they work out have more energy ...
- Soothe a dry, itchy scalp: 5 easy expert solutions
- Cocktails and calories: Beer, wine and liquor calories can really add up. ...
- The sour truth about apple cider vinegar - evaluation of therapeutic use
- The, six best supplements you've never heard of: these secret weapons can ...
- More »