Sterilization Pouches

[rometta kennedy]

Does anyone double their pouches? O.R. is requesting that we do this for sterile items that fit in a pouch and are sent to them. I thought i read this is unacceptable. Any advice? Thanks

[djw]

We double peel pack EVERYTHING. This was requested by the O.R. about a year ago and we've been doing it ever since. As long as the inner pouch is not folded (it has to lay flat in the outer pouch) it is okay according to the central service manual.

[lboggs]

Hey Ro!

I would just add that they always have to be plastic against plastic and paper against paper and NEVER inside an instrument set.

[Ray Taurasi]

Many hospitals do double pouch items. In my experience and observations in most instances I have found this to be an un necessary and costly practice which in most cases serves no purpose. On the other hand there are circumstances where double pouching can facilitate aseptic presentation especially in the case where multiple instruments and or small items are packaged in a peel pouch. If you choose to double pouch be sure to get validation documentation and instructions from your manufacturer - many pouches on the market today have not been validated for double pouching. If you would like to contact me outside of this forum I would be happy to provide you more information on products that have been validated. rtaurasi@att.net