Easi-Sterilise Standard Operating Procedures Section 2 Packaging and Wrapping Procedures

Section 2 Packaging and Wrapping Procedures

2.1 Organisation Of Packing Area  Organised packing area ensures a clean, safe work working area that reduces the risk of equipment damage/loss and unsafe work practices.  Clean designated work areas  Uncluttered  Be responsible for stock and equipment  Check expiry dates  Use reference guides for identification of instruments and trays  Report missing equipment and instruments  If unsure, ask for help

2.2 Assembly Of Instrument Trays And Hollowware Consistent patterns/protocols for assembling trays of instruments and other equipment prior to wrapping and sterilising enables efficiency and accuracy of surgical procedures. Inspect - Patient Safety Checks  Clean, dry, rust and stain free  No damage, splits, cracks, dents, non alignment, dullness of cutting edge

2.2 Assembly Of Instrument Trays And Hollowware Prepare equipment for sterilization: Check multi-part equipment / instruments  can be assembled and functioning  then disassembled or loosely assembled for sterilisation as per manufacturers instructions  Hinged or ratchet instruments are opened and unlocked  Sharp items protected with a tip protector or enclosed in a cassette

2.2 Assembly Of Instrument Trays And Hollowware  Follow the facilities predetermined set ups/ trays/ cassette  Select appropriate size tray or packaging material to assemble instruments giving consideration to size, mass and contents of tray  NB The density and size of tray/pack is determined at each oral health facility during the annual sterilization performance qualification

2.2 Assembly Of Instrument Trays And Hollowware  When packaging hollowware sets:  Openings are to face in the same direction,  Hollowware should not be able to move, and  Individual packs do not include combinations of hollowware, instruments, gauze dressings, drapes or tubing

2.3 Wrapping, Packaging & Labelling Purpose Provides a protective barrier against sources of potential contamination. Wrapping/packaging methods must facilitate aseptic removal of contents

2.3 Wrapping, Packaging & Labelling  Wrapped items  The method shall be envelope fold or square fold technique  The type and method of wrapping and packaging is facility specific  Check prior to use the wrapping material is not damaged or expired  The class 1 chemical indicator tape used for sealing will be specific to the mode of sterilisation (pressure sensitive, non- toxic and adhere to clean surface)  Ensure tape is adhered to wrapping/packaging material

2.3 Wrapping, Packaging & Labelling  Flexible packaging materials  Check for damage and expiry date  Correct size pouch for contents  Hollowware openings are against non-laminate surface  Any writing required should be done on the outer parameter of the flexible packaging material.  Self sealing pouches must be sealed by folding the flap along perforation/dotted line as indicated by the manufacturer.

Packaging and sealing

2.3 Wrapping, Packaging & Labelling  Labelling of packs:  All packs, bags, pouches and wrapped items must be labelled if contents are not visible  Use a non-toxic, water resistant, felt tipped marking pens and rubber stamps using similar ink or pre-printed tape  Writing on wrapping could damage the integrity of the material

2.3 Wrapping, Packaging & Labelling To occur prior to the sterilizing process utilising: 1.Batch labels (piggyback)  Details on the batch label gun must be checked and updated for each sterilizer cycle. The minimum information required on each label must include; Date of sterilization Sterilizer number Sterilizer cycle number

Blue = Unprocessed Sterilizer number

Colour interpretation chart

2.3 Wrapping, Packaging & Labelling To occur prior to the sterilizing process utilising:  Pre-printed tape  Write on tape  Labelling - clear and precise

2.4 Using and Reloading Batch Label Gun  Upper adjustable print display - Setting the date and the steriliser number  Date must appear as DD (space) MM (space) YY starting from the far left  The sterilizer number must be positioned to the far right

White mark (L) Side Date - dd mm yy (R) Side - Steriliser number Steriliser cycle number White mark

Reloading  Reloading the batch label gun with labels  Batch label guns need to be serviced every 12 months  If the base plate is opened during operation, re-check that fields are correctly aligned

Chemical Indicators  Class 1 – Process indicator – exposure to a sterilisation process – shows processed/unprocessed e.g sterilising tape, external chemical indicators.  Class 2 – Specific tests e.g Bowie Dick type test  Class 3 – Single parameter – critical parameter e.g. dry heat  Class 4 – Multi parameter eg. Time at Temp.  Class 5 – Integrating indicator – time temp and moisture  Class 6 – Emulating indicator (cycle verification) – eg. 3.5 min

Chemical Indicators do not indicate sterilization  Written information about the indicators shall be obtained from the supplier covering: (a) How to interpret indicator results. (b) The factors affecting end-point colour change during storage of sterilized items. (c) The sterilization conditions that the indicator will detect. (d) The storage requirements and shelf-life of the indicator itself.

Packaging Instruments & Class 1 Chemical Indicators

2.5 Restocking Consumable Materials  Wrapping and packaging not expired  Stock rotation  Daily replenishment of stock - all shifts, you replace  Storage containers / shelves - cleaned at regular intervals  Know your environmental cleaning plan  Identification of stock and stock numbers