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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of packaging materials in the perioperative practice setting?
Which of the following is a common risk associated with re-usable linen?
What is the most commonly used packaging method in hospitals?
What is a critical requirement for packaging materials used in sterilization?
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What is a key consideration when choosing a packaging material?
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What is a characteristic of Sterilization Wraps?
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What is a crucial aspect to consider when using rigid containers for sterilization?
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What is a characteristic of Peel Pouches?
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What is a disadvantage of using rigid containers for sterilization?
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What is a critical aspect to examine in filter and/or valve systems of rigid containers before sterilization?
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What is a typical use of peel-apart pouches?
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What is a crucial step in maintaining rigid containers for sterilization?
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What is a potential risk associated with the use of rigid containers?
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What is a characteristic of peel-apart pouches?
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What is a requirement for packing rigid containers for sterilization?
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What is the primary purpose of a sterilization wrap?
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What is the main advantage of using rigid reusable containers over sterilization wraps?
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What is the purpose of the sequential wrapping technique?
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What is the primary difference between the square fold and envelope fold techniques?
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What is the main benefit of using sterilization wraps made of SMS fabrics?
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What is the primary advantage of using simultaneous wrapping over sequential wrapping?
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What is the main purpose of the seal in a sterilization wrap?
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What is the primary benefit of using rigid reusable containers in CSSD?
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Study Notes
Packaging Materials and Techniques
- Packaging materials and techniques are designed to hold and protect devices, facilitate sterilization, and maintain sterility.
- The packaging material must provide an effective barrier to microbial penetration, protect the packaged items from contamination during handling, and allow aseptic delivery of the contents to the sterile field.
Types of Packaging Materials
- Rigid containers
- Peel Pouches of plastic and/or paper
- Sterilization Wraps
Sterilization Wraps
- Made of nonwoven Spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) fabrics
- Designed as single-use products
- Available in various sizes and weights
- Must comply with EN ISO 11607-1 and EN ISO 11607-2, 2006 and EN 868 parts 2-10, inclusive
- Requirements:
- Provide an adequate barrier to microorganisms and particulates
- Be suitable for the items being sterilized
- Maintain the sterility of the contents until the package is opened
- Allow the sterilants to penetrate and come into direct contact with the item and surfaces
- Permit removal of the sterilant
- Permit aseptic delivery of the contents to the sterile field with minimal wrap memory
- Allow for complete and secure enclosure of the item(s)
- Protect the contents of the package from physical damage
- Allow a method of sealing that results in a complete seal and provide adequate seal integrity
- Be resistant to tears, abrasions, and punctures
- Ensure the seal is tamper-proof and able to seal only once
- Permit adequate air removal
Wrapping Techniques
- Sequential Wrapping: wrapping two layers of wrap material individually using a fold technique
- Simultaneous Wrapping: wrapping both layers of wrap material together simultaneously
- Square Fold Technique: used for heavier items
- Envelope Fold Technique: used for smaller items
Containers
- Rigid reusable containers are making a comeback
- Benefits:
- Almost indestructible
- Provide sterility and customer reassurance
- Can be cost-effective if used properly
- Considerations:
- Easily disassembled for cleaning, drying, and storage
- Suitable for the method of sterilization being used
- Compatible with the cleaning method and cleaning agent being used
- Suitable for the storage configuration
- Lockable, tamperproof, and non-resealable
- Packed in a manner that allows for penetration of the sterilizing agent
- Able to remove contents without the risk of contamination of the contents
- Filter and/or valve systems must be secure and in proper working order before sterilization
- Disadvantages:
- Creates ergonomics challenge to those who will lift them due to heaviness
- Requires additional space to store them as they are larger than wrapped trays
- Longer cycle time may be required to avoid issues associated with excessively wet packs
- Entails extra effort since the containers must be cleaned between uses
- Potential risk of filter dislodge leading to instruments contamination
Pouches and Reels
- Variety of packaging materials available for individual surgical instruments
- Peel-apart pouches with a see-through front and paper backing are often used for single devices or small loads
- Come in reels of various sizes where both ends need to be sealed or as single form of various sizes for self-seal
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