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The updated AORN "Guideline for sterilization packaging systems" will provide guidance on evaluating, choosing, and using these systems.1 Examples of packaging systems include woven fabrics; nonwoven materials; paper-plastic, polyethylene-plastic, and plastic-plastic pouches; and rigid containers. The guideline was last updated in 2014. "This guideline aims to provide the reader with evidence-based and industry-standard guidance to choose and use sterilization packaging systems that provide the surgical team with sterile, functional, and well-organized items or sets of items," said Erin Kyle, DNP, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC, AORN perioperative practice specialist and lead author of the guideline. "It is best used in conjunction with other instrument-and sterilization-related guidelines, including the AORN guidelines for cleaning surgical instruments, sterilization, and processing flexible endoscopes."
Prepurchase evaluation
Sterilization packaging should be evaluated before purchase and use.1 According to Kyle, such evaluation allows organizations to identify quality sterilization packaging products that meet their needs and, more importantly, evaluate their performance in the practice setting. "Reusable sterilization packaging products have specific care, cleaning, and maintenance requirements to perform effectively," she said. "If the organization does not have or cannot acquire cleaning equipment described in the IFU [instructions for use], this would be important to know before placing the new sterilization container in use." Packaging for reusable medical devices and instruments should
* be cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration,
* include comprehensive manufacturers' IFUs,
* permit air removal and sterilant penetration,
* block microorganisms from entering,
* be tear- and puncture-resistant,
* seal completely,
* protect the items during storage,
* allow for aseptic presentation at the time of use,
* be nonlinting and nontoxic,
* be compatible with the sterilization method, and
* be simple to use.1
Preparation
In this updated guideline, additional content was added to the section on preparing for packaging to include considerations that precede packaging, such as the environment in which to perform packaging, standardization of procedures, verification that instruments were prepared for...