Packaging Materials
Sterilized instruments must be kept sterile until the moment of use. For this purpose, precautions should be taken to prevent the sterile equipment from being contaminated by cutting its contact with the external environment after sterilization. Covering the tools with different techniques using specially produced materials to protect them from contamination after sterilization and to maintain their sterility until the moment of use is called packaging. The packaging should create an effective barrier to protect the medical equipment to be sterilized from possible contamination and should allow sterilization. Packaging material should be capable of allowing sterilized gas, air, steam to enter and exit into the package.The points to be considered in the packaging process are:
✱ Tools and materials should be dried.
Drying should be done using air guns or drying cabinets.
Make sure that the tools are clean, dry and working.
✱ Joints of instruments that do not work on their joints should be lubricated with water-soluble oils.
✱ Tools with wear, corrosion, deformation, or other damage should be taken out of use.
Wovens packaging materials are not suitable for sterilization purposes as they do not have sufficient barrier properties. Standardized special fabrics with barrier properties can be washed for a predetermined number of times.
✱ The integrity of the package must be intact.
✱ It must be resistant to tearing and puncture.
It must be compatible with the sterilization method.
✱Protect the contents of the package from damage.
It should create an effective barrier to protect the medical material to be sterilized from contamination.
✱ It should not have toxic content.
✱ Should not leave lint (fluff).
It must allow the air to evacuate properly.
✱ It should be used according to the manufacturer's recommendations.