(9)
Closure. Wherever a surgical opening has been made, it is
generally followed by surgical closure. Sutures, suture needles, needle holder, and
suture scissors are required for closure.
b. Trays. Trays are assembled and wrapped as described in the next
paragraph before sterilizing.
4-2.
GUIDELINES FOR SETTING UP TRAYS
a. General.
(1) Trays should be perforated to allow the steam to flow in and the air to
flow out more easily.
(2) A hand towel should be placed in the bottom of each tray to protect
items and hold them together.
b. Assembling, Wrapping, and Labeling Trays.
(1) Assemble trays in accordance with pre-established list. Photographs
illustrating the items to be included on each tray may be used. Figure 3-13 is an
example of a pre-established list.
(2)
Select the correct forceps. Various types and sizes of forceps are used
on trays.
(3) Open all instruments. One method for keeping instruments open is to
string them on a rust-resistant (noncorrosive) heavy wire, formed in a "U" shape. In
stringing the instruments, turn each instrument so that one loop of the handle is above
the other one; then insert the "U" wire through the loops.
(4) Separate containers such as medicine glasses or solution cups by
putting such material as a 4 x 4-inch (10 x 10-cm) gauze sponge between them when
they are nested together or simply place them in the tray separately.
(5) Place containers on the tray so that they will be on their sides, when the
tray is put into the sterilizer.
(6)
Disassemble all syringes.
(7)
Protect fragile glassware from breaking.
(8) Place rubber items so they will not be in contact with metal or glass
(exception (10) below).
(9)
Add distilled/demineralized water to lumen (opening) of rubber items.
MD0937
4-4