Tech in Surgery Prep / Unit 14 TSC 329 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Opening Sterile Items to Yourself
The idea
Sterile items are opened onto the field in a way that keeps their contents from touching anything unsterile, including their own outer packaging.
In practice
Follow the methods by package type. First, inspect every package before opening: no damage, no moisture, an unexpired date and the correct indicator color. Second, a wrapped item is opened like a pack: far flap away, side flaps one at a time, near flap toward you, with the flaps held back so they cannot spring onto the item. Third, a peel pouch is opened by pulling apart the sealed edges, thumbs parallel to the seal. Fourth, small items may be dropped onto the field from about six inches. Fifth, heavy or irregular items are held for a person wearing sterile gloves to take, rather than dropped.
Where people slip
Nothing that has touched the outer package or its seal goes onto the field. If an item slides against the edge of a peel pouch as it is presented, it is considered contaminated and set aside.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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