What is the shelf life of sterile items that have been wrapped with sterilization pouches following sterilization quizlet?

1. Wear gloves during the sanitization process.
This protects the MA from blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). Heavy-duty utility gloves should be worn over the disposable gloves to provide protection from the irritating effects of chemical agents and accidental punctures or cuts from sharp instruments.

2. Handle instruments carefully.

3. Follow instructions on labels of chemical agents.
Before using a chemical agent such as a chemical disinfectant, an instrument cleaner, or an autoclave cleaner, review the product's SDS, and carefully read the label on the container. Check the label to determine the use, mixing, and storage of the chemical agent. Read and observe precautions listed on the label regarding personal safety, such as the use of glove and eye protection. Also, check the expiration date on the label of the chemical agent. Chemicals have a tendency to lose their potency over time and should not be used past the expiration date.

4. Use a proper cleaning agent.
A low-sudsing detergent with a neutral pH should be used to clean the instruments. Commercially available instrument cleaners meet these criteria. These cleaners usually come in a concentrated liquid or powder form and must be diluted with water before use. Never substitute with any other type of detergent. If a detergent with an alkaline pH is used and is not completely rinsed off, it could leave a residue on the instrument. This could result in an orange-brown stain on the instrument that resembles rust. Using an acid detergent can cause staining and permanent corrosion.

5. Use proper cleaning devices.
A stiff nylon brush should be used to clean the surface of the instrument. A stainless steel wire brush can be used to clean grooves, crevices, or serrations. A stain on an instrument often can be removed by using a commercial stain remover. Never use steel wool or other abrasives to remove stains because damage to the instrument could occur.

6. Carefully inspect each instrument for defects and proper working condition.
After cleaning, rinsing, and drying the instrument, check it for defects and proper working condition as follows:
-The blades of an instrument should be straight and not bent.
-The tips of the instrument should approximate tightly and evenly when the instrument is closed.
-An instrument with a box lock (e.g. hemostatic forceps, needle holders) should move freely but must not be too loose. The pin that holds the box lock together should be flush against the instrument.
-An instrument with a spring handle (e.g., thumb and tissue forceps) should have sufficient tension to grasp objects tightly.
-The cutting edge of a sharp instrument should be smooth and devoid of nicks.
-Scissors should cut cleanly and smoothly. To test for this, the MA should cut into a thing piece of gauze. The scissors are in proper working condition of they cut all the way to the end of the blade without catching on the gauze.

7. Lubricate hinged instruments.
Lubricate box locks, screw locks, scissor blades, and any other moving part of each instrument. The lubricant makes the instrument function better and last longer. Use a lubricant that can be penetrated by steam, such as a commercial spray lubricant or a lubricant bath. Lubricate after performing the final rinse (and drying of the instrument); otherwise, the lubricant would be rinsed off the instrument. Never use industrial oils or silicon sprays. These substances are not steam penetrable and can build up on the instrument, affecting its working condition.

How long do sterilization pouches last?

How long do Instruments stay sterile in pouches?

How long are autoclaved pouches sterile?

What is the shelf life of autoclaved items?