Easi-Sterilise
Standard Operating Procedures
Section 2
Packaging and Wrapping Procedures
Section 2
Packaging and Wrapping Procedures
2.1 Organisation Of Packing Area
 Organised packing area ensures a clean, safe work working
area that reduces the risk of equipment damage/loss and
unsafe work practices.
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Clean designated work areas
Uncluttered
Be responsible for stock and equipment
Check expiry dates
Use reference guides for identification of instruments and trays
Report missing equipment and instruments
If unsure, ask for help
2.2 Assembly Of Instrument Trays And
Hollowware
Consistent patterns/protocols for assembling trays of
instruments and other equipment prior to wrapping and
sterilising enables efficiency and accuracy of surgical
procedures.
Inspect - Patient Safety Checks
Clean, dry, rust and stain free
No damage, splits, cracks, dents, non alignment, dullness
of cutting edge
2.2 Assembly Of Instrument Trays And
Hollowware
Prepare equipment for sterilization:
Check multi-part equipment / instruments
 can be assembled and functioning
 then disassembled or loosely assembled for sterilisation as
per manufacturers instructions
 Hinged or ratchet instruments are opened and unlocked
 Sharp items protected with a tip protector or enclosed in
a cassette
2.2 Assembly Of Instrument Trays And
Hollowware
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Follow the facilities predetermined set ups/ trays/ cassette
Select appropriate size tray or packaging material to
assemble instruments giving consideration to size, mass and
contents of tray
NB The density and size of tray/pack is determined at each
oral health facility during the annual sterilization
performance qualification
2.2 Assembly Of Instrument Trays And
Hollowware
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When packaging hollowware sets:
 Openings are to face in the same direction,
 Hollowware should not be able to move, and
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Individual packs do not include combinations of hollowware,
instruments, gauze dressings, drapes or tubing
2.3 Wrapping, Packaging &
Labelling
Purpose
Provides a protective barrier against sources of
potential contamination. Wrapping/packaging methods
must facilitate aseptic removal of contents
2.3 Wrapping, Packaging &
Labelling
 Wrapped items
 The method shall be envelope fold or square fold technique
 The type and method of wrapping and packaging is facility
specific
 Check prior to use the wrapping material is not damaged or
expired
 The class 1 chemical indicator tape used for sealing will be
specific to the mode of sterilisation (pressure sensitive, nontoxic and adhere to clean surface)
 Ensure tape is adhered to wrapping/packaging material
2.3 Wrapping, Packaging &
Labelling
 Flexible packaging materials
 Check for damage and expiry date
 Correct size pouch for contents
 Hollowware openings are against non-laminate
surface
 Any writing required should be done on the outer
parameter of the flexible packaging material.
 Self sealing pouches must be sealed by folding the
flap along perforation/dotted line as indicated by
the manufacturer.
Packaging and sealing
2.3 Wrapping, Packaging &
Labelling
 Labelling of packs:
 All packs, bags, pouches and wrapped items must
be labelled if contents are not visible
 Use a non-toxic, water resistant, felt tipped
marking pens and rubber stamps using similar ink
or pre-printed tape
 Writing on wrapping could damage the integrity
of the material
2.3 Wrapping, Packaging &
Labelling
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To occur prior to the sterilizing process utilising:
1. Batch labels (piggyback)
Details on the batch label gun must be checked and updated for
each sterilizer cycle. The minimum information required on each
label must include;
• Date of sterilization
• Sterilizer number
• Sterilizer cycle number
Blue = Unprocessed
Sterilizer
number
Colour interpretation chart
2.3 Wrapping, Packaging &
Labelling
To occur prior to the sterilizing process utilising:
 Pre-printed tape
 Write on tape
 Labelling - clear and precise
2.4 Using and Reloading Batch Label
Gun
 Upper adjustable print display - Setting the
date and the steriliser number
 Date must appear as DD (space) MM (space) YY
starting from the far left
 The sterilizer number must be positioned to
the far right
White mark
(R) Side - Steriliser
number
(L) Side
Date - dd mm yy
Steriliser cycle number
White mark
Reloading
 Reloading the batch label gun with labels
 Batch label guns need to be serviced every 12
months
 If the base plate is opened during operation,
re-check that fields are correctly aligned
Chemical Indicators
 Class 1 – Process indicator – exposure to a sterilisation
process – shows processed/unprocessed e.g sterilising tape,
external chemical indicators.
 Class 2 – Specific tests e.g Bowie Dick type test
 Class 3 – Single parameter – critical parameter e.g. dry heat
 Class 4 – Multi parameter eg. Time at Temp.
 Class 5 – Integrating indicator – time temp and moisture
 Class 6 – Emulating indicator (cycle verification) – eg. 134°C @
3.5 min
Chemical Indicators
do not indicate sterilization
 Written information about the indicators shall be
obtained from the supplier covering:
(a) How to interpret indicator results.
(b) The factors affecting end-point colour change
during storage of sterilized items.
(c) The sterilization conditions that the indicator will
detect.
(d) The storage requirements and shelf-life of the
indicator itself.
Packaging Instruments & Class 1
Chemical Indicators
2.5 Restocking Consumable Materials
 Wrapping and packaging not expired
 Stock rotation
 Daily replenishment of stock - all shifts, you replace
 Storage containers / shelves - cleaned at regular intervals
 Know your environmental cleaning plan
 Identification of stock and stock numbers