Surgical packs are very popular amongst surgeons as it includes the necessary items like gauze sponges, sterile drapes that are properly wrapped, the basic instruments, and other similar materials that are usually laid out during surgical procedures on proper fenestrated pans. It is the duty of technicians in hospitals to sterilize and prepare these surgical packs for the E.R and then stock them for future need. The process of sterilization for instruments is very important and has to be done adequately through the use of pressurized steam created in an autoclave, especially if the surgical instruments require sterilization on a low pressure, using plasma or gas sterilization.

Learning how to properly sterilize and pack surgical instruments is really important for the safety of the patient. This is why learning the basic principles that apply in the art of packing instruments should be learned by all doctors and technicians working in hospitals. To start the process you have to first painstakingly clean and then fully dry all the instruments. Then collect all the other materials that you need to add in to your pack. The use of an ultrasonic instrument for cleaning the instruments once you are done washing is preferable. Otherwise you can simply hand wash the instruments using enzymatic solution which is specially designed for cleaning surgical instruments. You should make sure that you properly clean off all rust and debris from the instruments. You have to make sure that the solution you are using for cleaning your instruments is neutral pH otherwise you can end up with stains on your instruments.

Now proceed to lubricating the surgical instruments that need to be lubricated. Again always purchase a lubricant that is specifically designed for this purpose. Give proper time for the instruments to fully dry once you are done lubricating them. You have to make sure that you properly count all the materials and instruments like suture needles, gauze sponges, etc to ensure that you have the count absolutely necessary. This is a very crucial stage because when the pack of instruments is opened, the surgeons count every item before stitching up the patient to make sure that they have not accidentally left any item from the pack inside the surgeon.

When packing some of the instruments it is best that they are packed individually or in small collections using plastic or paper pouch made of the professional usage heat – sealing plastic variety. If you plan on using plasma sterilization on your surgical instruments you should use Mylar or Tyvek pouches or simply purchase a polyester fabric wrap of the nonwoven variety. Some of the packs that you put together would have to be of a larger size according to your surgeon’s preferences. If you need to pack a fenestrated pan in your pack of instruments, always make sure that you first place a lint – free towel on to your pan before putting in other instruments or materials. This is how you pack surgical instruments professionally and efficiently. crcst certification