Use of this side flap is more efficient than trying to stuff several suture packets in from the bottom of the box. Avoid balling up the outer package when transferring the foil pack to the sterile field. This a technique that is sometimes used by circulating nurses when in a hurry. By keeping the packets flat, the circulating nurse can more easily utilize the foil package to read for needle confirmation. We do not recommend it.
Surgical sutures are disposable, single-use medical devices.
There are also issues associated specifically with synthetic absorbable sutures. This product group is moisture sensitive and therefore requires the protection of moisture barrier packaging. Exposure of synthetic absorbable sutures to moisture is intended to occur in the body, but not prior to surgical implantation. If resterilized and repackaged after removal from the manufacturer's original packaging, the suture will be exposed to environmental moisture. Due to the resultant weakness of the suture, it would fail to conform to USP requirements and label claims for post-implantation breaking strength retention.