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.

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.