How do you wrap surgical instruments?

1. the contents are placed diagonally onto wrapping drapes.

2. one corner is folded over the entire pack and tucked under it, leaving the tip visible

3. the adjacent corner is folded over the end of the pack and the tip folded back so the drape is flat on the pack.

4. the opposite corner is done the same way.

5. the pack is turned around and the final corner is folded over the top of the pack and tucked under th folded drape edges leaving the tip visible.

6. the pack is then wrapped again in another drape

7. the pack is the secured with autoclave tape and labeled with the contents, date, and initials of the person who prepared the pack.

-McCurnin, Dennis M. Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians 2006 pg. 696

NOTES:

*packs are autoclaved at 250 degrees for 13 minutes, then cracking the autoclave door open for 10 minutes before removing.

*double wrapped muslin packs will be considered sterile for 7 weeks if kept in a closed cabinet and 3 weeks in an open cabinet

*you can use a single drape/wrap but the sterile period is decreased significantly to one week in a closed cabinet and two days in an open cabinet

*if you use a crepe paper wrap the sterile period is at least eight weeks in a closed cabinet and three weeks in an open cabinet.

**IF YOU ARE UNSURE ABOUT STERILITY, RE-WRAP