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Questions and Answers
What is the primary purpose of a packaging material in sterilization?
What is the main advantage of using rigid reusable containers in CSSDs?
What is the primary difference between sequential and simultaneous wrapping techniques?
What is the main advantage of using the square fold technique?
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What is a characteristic of sterilization flat wrap?
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What is the purpose of using a fold technique in wrapping?
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What is a characteristic of simultaneous wrapping?
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What is the main advantage of using sequential wrapping in CSSDs?
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What is a characteristic of rigid reusable containers?
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What is the primary purpose of the envelope fold technique?
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Study Notes
Rigid Containers
- Almost indestructible, providing sterility and customer reassurance if handled and maintained according to manufacturer's instructions.
- Key considerations for using containers:
- Easily disassembled for cleaning, drying, and storage.
- Suitable for sterilization method and cleaning agents.
- Compatible with storage configuration.
- Lockable, tamper-proof, and non-resealable.
- Packed to allow penetration of sterilizing agent.
- Contents can be removed without contamination risk.
- Filter and/or valve systems must be secure and in proper working order before sterilization.
- Filter plate integrity must be checked before and after sterilization.
- Containers must be cleaned between each use, preferably in an automated process.
- Regular servicing by the manufacturer is necessary.
- Disadvantages of using containers:
- Creates ergonomic challenges due to heaviness.
- Requires additional space for storage.
- Longer cycle time may be required.
- Extra effort for cleaning between uses.
- Potential risk of filter dislodge leading to instrument contamination.
Pouches and Reels
- Variety of packaging materials available for individual surgical instruments.
- Peel-apart pouches with see-through front and paper backing are often used for single devices or small loads.
- Microbiological monitoring is carried out in the room according to hospital infection control policies.
- Monitoring involves placing contact or settle plates in pre-planned locations and sending them to the lab for culturing and analysis.
Dress Code Requirements
- Staff movement between dirty and clean areas requires passing through a clothing change and hand-wash area.
- Protective clothing is worn by personnel entering the IAP room to reduce the risk of contamination.
- Managers ensure protective clothing availability and correct use and disposal.
- Specialists working in the IAP wear:
- Freshly laundered scrub suits.
- Head/hair cover (clean, single-use, low-lint surgical hat or hood).
- Dedicated shoes that are never used outside the IAP.
Washer-Disinfector (WD) to Sterilizer
- Quality checks are carried out before further processing, including:
- Correct cycle.
- Spray arms not blocked.
- No soil or staining.
Packaging Materials
- Packaging materials must:
- Provide an effective barrier to microbial penetration.
- Protect items from contamination during handling.
- Allow aseptic delivery of contents to the sterile field.
- Types of packaging materials:
- Rigid containers.
- Peel pouches of plastic and/or paper.
- Sterilization wraps.
- Most commonly used method is sterilization wraps.
Sterilization Wraps
- Made of nonwoven Spunbond-meltblown-spunbond (SMS) fabrics.
- Designed as single-use products.
- Available in various sizes and weights.
- Wrapping techniques:
- Sequential wrapping.
- Simultaneous wrapping.
- Fold techniques:
- Square fold.
- Envelope fold.
Containers
- Rigid reusable containers are making a comeback.
- Technology has improved significantly, making containers more user-friendly and cost-effective.
- Containers are popular in many CSSDs today.
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