How to Package Surgical Instruments

Surgical instruments are placed in specialized packaging to keep them sterile. After each use, surgical instruments must be repackaged in either a sterilization bag or woven wrapping intended for use in an autoclave, or sterilization machine. Packaging surgical instruments is a precise procedure which requires knowledge of proper technique. Always follow your facility's instrument packaging protocol.

Things You'll Need

• Sterilization packaging
• Sterilization indicator strips
• Sterilization tape
• Gauze
• Tip protectors

Instructions

1. Choose the packaging for your surgical instruments. Gather sterilization bags or double-layer woven wrapping, sterilization tape and sterilization indicator tabs. Ensure all instruments have been pre-cleaned and are free of body fluids and debris.

2. Place the instruments in an appropriate-sized sterilization bag. Cover the ends of sharp instruments with plastic, autoclave-approved tip protectors to prevent puncture of the bag. Insert a sterilization indicator strip into the package, and seal the package by removing the adhesive strip protector on the flap. Close the flap over the open end of the bag.

3. Place two square sterilization sheets on a large, flat surface and arrange in a square position. Place a single layer of gauze in the middle of the top sheet. Arrange instruments over the gauze in a single layer, if possible. Open any closed instruments. Cover the tips of sharp instruments with tip protectors, or place the tips slightly into the gauze for protection. Add a sterilization strip with the instruments.

4. Fold the top sterilization sheet appropriately in a square fold. Fold the outer sterilization sheet over the other in a square-fold. Consult your facility's guidelines for proper folding technique. Secure the outside sheet with sterilization tape.

Tips & Warnings

• Surgical instruments may be wrapped singly, in packs or in trays intended for specific uses, such as minor surgery or laceration repair.

• You may use a single sheet of approved, double layer, woven sterilization sheet in place of two separate sheets if available and approved by your facility.

• Surgical instruments should not be packaged by someone unfamiliar with the procedure.

References

• "Operating Room Technique;" Nancymarie Phillips; 2005: Packaging Instruments and other items for sterilization
• Infection Control Today: Choosing a sterilization wrap for surgical instruments

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish