The World Federation of Hospital Sterilization Sciences (WFHSS) has established April 10th as "World Sterilization Science Day", calling on disinfection supply rooms around the world to be open to the public on this day, promoting the entire process of instrument reprocessing and related sterilization science knowledge. Through on-site visits, operational drills, and interactive communication, we aim to deepen everyone's understanding of disinfection supply centers and promote the safety and effectiveness of sterile material supply and use. So, how are sterile bags used during surgery "produced"? Below, I will introduce it to everyone.
What is a sterile package? Sterilization refers to the process of killing or removing all microorganisms' reproductive bodies, spores, or spores. It is an indispensable part of all sterilization packaging processes and can effectively block the risk of disease transmission that medical devices may cause to doctors and patients. The "sterilization package" that uses medical packaging materials to package medical devices that require disinfection and sterilization becomes a "sterile package" after high-temperature sterilization or low-temperature sterilization. Common packaging materials include textile cotton fabric, non-woven fabric, and paper plastic bags.
How are sterile bags used during surgery "produced"?
01 Non disposable items such as hemostatic forceps, needle holders, and benders will be collected and processed by a dedicated person after use.
02 Classify, clean, and disinfect the collected non disposable items.
03 Then dry the disinfected non disposable items.
04 Next, inspect and maintain the dried non disposable items.
05 Classify and package the non disposable items that have passed inspection and maintenance.
How to package them into a sterilization package?
Clean the packaging table and prepare the necessary items.
Write or print sterilization chemical instruction labels based on the recycling or cleaning checklist.
Check the cleaning quality and functionality of the packaging and equipment.
Assemble and verify the types, specifications, and quantities of instruments inside the package.
Use instrument strings or disinfectant pliers to string instruments together according to their size and type, and place them reasonably in baskets or trays. When there are sharp objects, it is necessary to use sharp object protective covers.
Place the basket or tray in the center of the bag, and package the two bags in layers with double closure. Place a sterilization chemical indicator card in the center of the bag.
The weight of the equipment package should not exceed 7kg, and the weight of the dressing package should not exceed 5kg. The packaging should be done in a cross or cross shape and can be fixed with indicator tape.
Stick the sterilization chemical indicator label on the outer wrapping.
06 Final sterilization treatment
Sterilization takes about 60 minutes, and this operation can only be carried out by personnel holding a special equipment (fixed pressure vessel) qualification certificate. Before sterilization, B-D testing is required to confirm whether the sterilizer meets the sterilization standards. If the machine is not qualified, it will be immediately stopped and professional personnel will be contacted for maintenance. After sterilization, the sterilization pot should be cooled for at least 30 minutes before being removed.
07 Biological monitoring qualification is the gold standard for releasing sterile items. In addition, it is necessary to ensure that the color change of the external indicator label is qualified, the color change of the external indicator tape is qualified, there is no wet packaging, the packaging cloth is not damaged, and the sterilization package is within its expiration date before it can be distributed to clinical departments for use. Doctors and nurses in the operating department can see that the external label and chemical indicator card have changed color and meet the standards when using them, and they can rest assured to use them for patients.
Finally, it will be transported by dedicated personnel to various operating departments and can be used during surgery. However, it should be noted that clinical medical staff should also check the integrity of the bag cloth, whether there are holes and wet bags when opening and using it. After fully opening the packaging, check whether the indicator card inside the package has changed color and is qualified, whether there are water droplets or water drop samples inside the package, whether the equipment is clean and shiny, whether the placement of the equipment is reasonable, whether the quantity is accurate, and whether the equipment is in good working condition. Only when these are all qualified can the equipment be used with peace of mind! The disinfection supply center will also conduct weekly spot checks to understand the sterilization status of each package.
Hospitals regularly monitor the effectiveness of disinfection and sterilization, and the sterilization qualification rate must reach 100%.
In short, sterile packaging goes through many stages from production, storage, distribution, transportation to management and use. Each stage must strictly follow the operating procedures and do relevant work according to requirements. Especially for sterile bags, before use, check the name of the sterile bag, the expiration date of sterilization, check whether the sterilization indicator tape has changed color, and inspect the bag cloth for moisture, damage, etc. to ensure medical safety.