the pack has been through the sterilization process. The date of expiration will tell you
whether it is too old for safe use. If the package is in any way compromised, it must be
discarded and a new pack secured.
l. Open the packs and sets in the order in which the scrub will need them.
Open the sterile gown first; the scrub will need this immediately upon entering the room.
(1) Remove the tape from the packages, unwrap the item, and check the
indicator tape to ensure item has been through the sterilization process. If the indicator
tape shows no or incomplete sterilization process, discard the package and secure a
new one.
(2) After opening the pack containing the scrub's gown, open the basin
set, the linen pack, the prep set ,and the instrument set.
m. All sterile wrappers are to be removed in the same general manner. Open
the wrapper so that your hand and arm do not pass over any part of the inside of the
wrapper that has been exposed.
(1) Position the package so that the flaps are on top (Figure 3-1).
(2) Using one hand lift the distal flap up and away from the package
(Figure 3-2).
(3) Open the left flap (Figure 3-3).
(4) Open the right flap (Figure 3-4).
(5) Open the near flap (Figure 3-5).
n. Larger sterile supplies can be opened using the wrappers to form a sterile
field and are to be opened in the following manner.
(1) With hands on the outside of each wrapper in a folded cuff, always lift
the wrapper toward you to avoid contaminating the contents of the pack (see
Figure 3-6). The area touched by you under the cuff falls below table level and the
inside of the wrapper remains sterile.
(2) Walk around the table as you remove each portion of the wrapper. Do
not reach over the inside of the sterile table cover or the contents of the pack.
(3) Stand at arms length from the sterile pack as you lift the wrappers (see
Figure 3-7). If a sterile pack falls to the floor, discard it, as it has now become
contaminated.
MD0935
3-5