Packaging of surgical instruments for sterilization
The purpose of packaging surgical tools and instruments is to preserve sterility before subsequent use. This phase consists of placing the instrument (decontaminated, washed, cleansed, disinfected, rinsed, dried, checked and maintained) in a specific disposable bag that will be sealed to keep the instrument sterile over time (in accordance with UNI EN ISO 11607-1 and UNI EN 868-5).
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Thermosealing machines for the packaging of surgical instruments
In order to seal pouches and rolls, it is essential to have a thermosealing machine, i.e. a device capable of thermosealing the packs to be autoclaved, guaranteeing the thickness and tightness of the seal.
Useful tips for packaging surgical instruments for sterilization purposes
• The contents must not exceed ¾ of the volume of the pack;
• Seal the pouch and leave at least 3 cm of space between the load and the seal;
• Ensure 1 cm of space between the seal and the edge of the paper in order to be able to open it easily;
• The sealing strip must not be less than 6 mm (UNI EN 868-5);
• Protect the tips using special tip protectors, checking that they are suitable for sterilization;
• For lubricated turbines and handpieces, place an absorbent gauze pad to absorb excess oil and prevent the paper from becoming soaked, thus compromising the sterilization outcome.
Euroseal thermosealing machines
Euroseal is Euronda Pro System’s range of thermosealing machines developed to meet the needs of every medical and dental practice. Euronda sealers are Made in Italy and offer a choice of validating sealers capable of ensuring traceability and non-validating, rotary or manual sealers; all our solutions are intuitive, versatile and easy to use.
Rolls and pouches for the packaging of surgical instruments
Packaging consists of placing the medical devices in a disposable pack (Sterile Barrier System – SBS), the characteristics of which are set out in UNI EN ISO 11607-1.
The packaging of objects and devices to be sterilized:
• is intended to preserve the sterility of the processed material until its use;
• shall allow penetration and contact of sterilizing agents with the surface of the objects;
• must reduce the risk of contamination of the contents upon opening.
In the case of steam sterilization, the most commonly used Sterile Barrier System in the dental field is paper-film-polymer (polyethylene/polypropylene) pouches and rolls.
Useful tips for the packaging of surgical instruments
The packaging regulations also provide for a labelling and traceability system, which is essential for the management, control and operation of the practice. The information that each control label must indicate concerns:
• the details of the operator who performed the sterilization;
• the sterilization cycle number indicated by the autoclave;
• the packaging date;
• the expiry date, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
In addition to this, in order to maintain the sterility, during the storage phase, we recommend that:
• Instruments are stored inside the sterile bag in
a dry, closed place and away from heat sources
• Sterile pouches are handled with clean hands and/or with gloves that have been disinfected
• The pouches are handled as little as possible and checked periodically for the expiry date.
Eurosteril® rolls and pouches
Eurosteril® rolls and pouches are produced in full compliance with EU Regulation 2017/745 and EN 868-5 standard. Thanks to their high quality raw materials, including medical paper, and the manufacturing technologies employed, Euronda® rolls and pouches guarantee the sterility of the contents for up to six months from the date of sterilization under suitable storage conditions and after validation of the sterilization and sealing process.