Long-term storage of small surgical instruments in autoclaved packages.
BACKGROUND
In most operating theatres, unused sterile instruments must be re-sterilized according to preset protocols. Protocols differ among institutions and are not based on strong scientific evidence.


OBJECTIVE
To determine and compare the duration of sterility of small instruments packaged in double-layered linen versus plastic-paper envelopes after autoclaving.


METHODS
Two groups of orthopaedic screws were simultaneously sterilized by autoclaving. In Group 1, each screw was packaged in a double-wrapped linen pack. The screws in Group 2 were individually packaged in an inner wrap of paper and an outer plastic-paper envelope that is commercially available. Unwrapped screws in Group 3 served as controls. During the first 48 weeks, five packages were randomly taken from each group, and from 48 weeks to 96 weeks, 20 packages were taken at random and sent for microbial culture. Five screws from Group 3 were also randomly picked with each sample.


RESULTS
Up to 96 weeks, no organisms were cultured from any sample from Groups 1 and 2. Almost all samples from Group 3 grew several species of bacteria.


CONCLUSIONS
For small metal instruments, autoclaved packages in double-wrapped linen or double-wrapped plastic-paper combinations can be stored safely for at least 96 weeks.
Bhumisirikul
Wicha
W
Department of Nursing, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand. rawbm@mahidol.ac.th
Bhumisirikul
Peinjit
P
Pongchairerks
Paisal
P
D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D004866:Equipment Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017743:Equipment Reuse; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013242:Sterilization / Q000379:methods*; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013997:Time Factors