1-9.
MATERIALS AND INSTRUMENTS USED IN BLOOD COLLECTION
Many items are available in sterile, single-use disposable form. Items such as
gauze, cotton balls, applicators, forceps, and forcep holders may be adequately
sterilized by steam under pressure for at least 30 minutes at 121.5C, by dry heat for at
least 2 hours at 170C, or by gas sterilization if available. Sterile containers should be
labeled and dated when sterilized and when opened. Transfer forceps should have at
least the lower third immersed in an effective antiseptic solution (for example, 70 percentjj
isopropyl alcohol) and be resterilized after 1 week. Unopened containers may be stored from 2 to
3 weeks. Open containers may be used for 1 week only.
1-10. BLOOD CONTAINERS
The blood container (see figure 1-2) shall be pyrogen-free, sterile, and contain
sufficient anticoagulant for the quantity of blood to be collected. The anticoagulant shall
be one approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or 1 that meets its
standards, and shall be in the container when it is sterilized. The container shall be
sufficiently colorless and transparent to permit visual inspection.
Figure 1-2. Plastic blood pack.
MD0845
1-19