• Sterility of a packaged item is event related and depends on the quality of the wrapper material, the storage conditions, the conditions during transport, and the amount of handling. Any item that has a torn wrapper, has been compressed, appears wet, or has been dropped on the floor should not be used.
• Items purchased as sterile should be used according to the manufacturer’s directions. This may be either a designated expiration date, or a day-to-day expiration date such as “sterile unless the integrity of the package is compromised.”
• The determination of whether items packaged in house are sterile prior to use will be event related. It is the responsibility of each health care worker to assess each package and its contents to assure that sterile conditions have been maintained. Special attention will be paid to:
- The outside of the package to make sure that the integrity of the sterile wrap has not been compromised.
- Medications, antiseptics and other materials inside the pack that have manufacturers expiration dates. These will need to be assessed prior to use of the contents of the package.
- Rubber and plastic items which will need to be visually inspected by the user for cracks, peeling and discoloration.
- If the sterile wrap is not 100% intact, or the contents show deterioration or are out of date, the pack contents should not be used.
