unit 1: wrapping and autoclaving linen packs Flashcards
What are surgical wraps made of
cotton
linen
paper
Why are surgical wraps made of cotton, linen or paper
These materials can sustain heat and moisture used for the sterilization process
They are selectively permeable to allow sterilization to occur without allowing microbes or dust to penetrate the pack after sterilization
Durable – must be resistant to damage when handling
Flexible – allows it to conform to the shape of the enclosed linens or instruments
The wrap should remain flat after the pack is opened to prevent it from contaminating the contents of the pack
How often shoudl you launder and replace wraps
Wraps must be laundered and examined for wear before each use
Replace linens that are worn or ripped
How should the tabs look on a pck
All packs are to wrapped in the same order and manner
Tabs must always be made facing towards the outer edges of the pack
This will allow the opener to grab and open the corners with a lowered risk of contaminating the contents of the pack
What are the steps to wrapping a pack
Lay 2 wraps (one on top of the other) in a diamond so the lower point is pointed directly at you.
Fold the lower corner first (nearest you), making a tab.
Next fold the right corner, making a tab.
Next fold the left corner, making a tab.
Then fold the upper corner (furthest from you), making a tab.
Repeat this for the second wrap – make sure your inner pack is in correct orientation (visible tab facing you) before you start.
How do you open a pack
To open packs, you will rotate the visible tab towards your left hip and then open in the direction of the tab that is visible, taking care not to reach over sterile field or touch the contents.
What maya surgical pack include
Gowns
Hand Towel
Stream chemical indicator stip
Steam Indicator Tape
What does the steam indicator tape do
Indicator to demonstrate that conditions were met for sterilization
Secures the wrap to prevent it from being opened prematurely
Date, Contents and Initials
What does complete sterilization depend on
Proper operation of the autoclave
Proper preparation of the packs
Proper loading of the autoclave
How do you use an autoclave
Most private practices will use autoclaves (gravity air-displacement sterilizers) to sterilize their surgical packs
Distilled water is placed in the bottom and the autoclave is sealed
The water is heated until it turns into steam and forces air out through a port
After the air is out, the steam pressure builds until the operating temp is reached
The system will stay at this temperature and pressure for a preset amount of time
Once the cycle is complete, the steam is removed, and it condenses back to water
It takes about 15 mins to reach proper temp, then 3-15 minutes for sterilization
The door should be cracked open at the end of the cycle for about 15 mins – this allows moisture to evaporate and prevent condensation on the pack
Allow packs to cool before using
how does flash sterilization work and how long does it take
An abbreviated version of the sterilization process
Instruments are not wrapped and are generally done 1 - 2 instruments at a time
Autoclave is set to 272◦F, 32psi, and 4 minutes
The dry cycle is shortened because no linen or paper is present – whole cycle only takes about 16 minutes
Typically used if instruments have been dropped in surgery – not meant to replace regular steam sterilization
What is the proper way to prepare a pack
Packs should be prepared in a designated, low traffic area
Use appropriate material for wrapping packs
Do not wrap too tightly
Replacing rather than repairing worn wraps
Don’t re-use crepe paper wraps
Pack size must be compatible with the size of the autoclave chamber
How do you load an autoclave
The chamber must not be overloaded – steam needs to be able to penetrate through to the middle packs
There should be about 1” between packs
Packs should not be stacked directly on top of one another
The outer wraps of the packs should not touch the inner surface of the chamber
Linen packs should be positioned at the edge of the chamber
Trays and instrument packs are to be laid flat
Bowls are placed placed upside down to prevent water from being trapped inside them
Peel packs are laid flat – plastic side down
When do packs expire
Shelf-life expiration – a pre-determined date that identifies how long an item can be considered sterile
Double wrapped: 7 weeks in closed cabinet
Peel packs: at least 1 year
What causes even related pack expiration
determined from an environmental perspective
Packs that fall on the floor, are covered in dust, or have a strike through
If a pack’s sterility is in question, it should be assumed that it is contaminated
