### STANDARD OPERATION PROCEDURE - 3004

# 

#### **PROPER PACKAGING**

PURPOSE: To establish guidelines for proper use of packaging materials
and methods used to maintain sterility of the item sterilized until the
items are used.

POLICY: The following types of sterile packaging are the only methods
approved for use:

a\. Rigid sterilization container

b\. Paper-plastic peel pouch

c\. Woven or Non-woven wrapper

PROCEDURE:

A. [Rigid Sterilization Containers]{.underline}

1.  These are metal or plastic containers used to contain the instrument
    set and provide

protection to maintain sterility during and after sterilization.

2.  When the container is returned to the decontamination area, the
    inner

baskets that contain the soiled instruments must be removed and
instruments cleaned according to established decontamination procedures.

3\. Release the filter holder on both the lid and the main container,
then remove and discard the disposable filter. Also remove and discard
used chemical indicator and load control cards.

4\. Thoroughly clean all parts of the container. Cleaning can be
accomplished by manual or mechanical methods.

5\. Carefully inspect all parts of the container for damage or
inadequate cleaning, then pass through to Preparation Room.

6\. Replace the filters and secure in place with the filter holders.

7\. Reassemble the instrument set and place into the inner mesh basket
along with count sheet. Place the inner mesh basket with instruments
into the container. If using an internal indicator, place into the
basket.

8\. Place lid onto the container bottom and close the latches.

9\. Secure container by attaching tamper evident seals onto the
container latches. NOTE: The seal can also function as an external
chemical indicator for either steam or gas sterilization.

10\. Make certain the container label matches the actual contents of the
container.

B. [Paper-Plastic Peel Pouch]{.underline}

1\. Select a package of appropriate size to accommodate the item(s) that
are being packaged. Allow enough room to securely seal the package.

2\. Cover all sharp pointed items with tip protectors to prevent tips
from puncturing package.

3\. Place item(s) in package with the "handle end" of the instrument
toward the end of the package that will be opened by the user.

4\. When double peel packaging, select a larger size outer package to
allow the inner package to remain unfolded. Folding the inner package
may hinder the sterilant from penetrating the packaging.

5\. Peel pouches should be heat sealed by a 5/8" seal or double sealed
if sealer is less than 5/8" thick. Use of self-sealing peel pouches are
also acceptable. All seals on peel pouches must be carefully inspected
for wrinkles or "tunnels" that could allow for the contents to be
contaminated.

6\. Place a piece of sterilizing indicator tape on the transparent side
of the package, which has had written description of the contents and
initials of the preparer on the tape.

7\. For Sterrad sterilizer, select a Tyvek peel pouch of appropriate
size to accommodate the item being packaged. Place a piece of Sterrad
indicator tape on the transparent side of the package. The description
of the contents and initials of the preparer are to be written on the
tape.

C. [Wrapped Items (Woven or Non-Woven)]{.underline}

1.  Muslin wrappers must be laundered, inspected for holes, and delinted
    between each

use. The minimum thread count is 240 threads per square inch and must
have surged edges

2\. All items wrapped in muslin, paper, spun-bond fabrics or non-woven
materials will be wrapped sequentially in two layers of wrapping
material.

3\. Select the appropriate sized wrappers to adequately cover the item
being wrapped. Place item in wrapper and wrap the item with either the
envelope or square method. NOTE: Generally, small items are best wrapped
using the envelope method and large items using the square method.

4\. Seal package using appropriate sterilization indicator tape,
depending upon the method of sterilization being used, which has written
description of the content, initials of the preparer on the tape, and
service where the item will be used or stored (if not SPD).

Reference: VA Handbook Directive 7176, Supply, Processing and
Distribution

Operation Requirements