What types of packaging materials are available for sterilizing instruments?
Packaging materials (e.g., wrapped or container systems) allow penetration of the sterilization agent and maintain sterility of the processed item after sterilization. Materials for maintaining sterility of instruments during transport and storage include wrapped perforated instrument cassettes, peel pouches of plastic or paper, and sterilization wraps (which can be either woven or unwoven). Packaging materials should be designed for the type of sterilization process being used. Packaging materials also should be appropriate for the items being sterilized. For example, nonpaper materials should be used to package sharp instruments which can easily puncture paper packaging. Avoid using metal closures (e.g., staples, paper clips) that can puncture packaging materials. A chemical indicator/integrator should be placed among the instruments, inside the package, as well as on the outside of each package (see FAQ Sterilization Monitoring).
