Opening a Sterile Pack

Introduction

• Discusses the procedure to open sterile items like gauze or instruments.
• Key for surgical teams or procedures requiring sterile conditions.

Initial Steps

• Hand Hygiene: Perform hand hygiene before starting.
• Package Handling:
  • Locate unsealed edges of the package.
  • Grasp and pull apart to open.

Exposing a Sterile Item

• Purpose:
  • To hand over to surgical team or individual performing sterile procedures.
  • Gently drop onto a sterile field.

Procedure

1. Hand Hygiene:
   • Maintain eye contact to ensure sterile field is not contaminated.
   • Ensure no interruption or contamination of the sterile field.
2. Handling and Opening:
   • Select the sterile item (e.g., gauze sponge).
   • Use unsealed edges or arrows to guide opening.
   • No gloves needed as long as the inside remains untouched.
   • Align thumbs with flaps and peel open like a banana.

Dropping onto Sterile Field

• Technique:
  • Turn item over, drop gently onto sterile field.
  • Avoid dropping from a high height to prevent bouncing out.
  • Be mindful of the 1-inch non-sterile border.
• Placement:
  • Ensure item lands inside the sterile area for use.

Handing Over a Sterile Item

• Procedure:
  • Use no gloves when handling external part.
  • Ensure not to touch contents inside.
  • Open using unsealed edges, peel back carefully.
• Handing Over:
  • Pass to another nurse or physician with sterile gloves.
  • Maintain sterile-to-sterile contact when handing over.

Key Points

• Always perform hand hygiene before opening sterile packs.
• Maintain awareness of sterile field and potential contamination.
• Use proper technique for both dropping items onto a sterile field and handing them over safely.