Book
Guidelines for infection control in operations
- Opening the instrument tray and wrapping towels and gowns
Required Supplies:
- Required gowns or a pack of towels
- Instrument tray
- Clean table or trolley
- Cleaning cloths and disinfectant solution
Steps:
1. Clean the trolley or table surface with diluted chlorine or another disinfectant to eliminate germs.
2. Dry the surface thoroughly (to prevent moisture from affecting paper or towels).
3. Inspect the required pack or instrument tray:
o Expiration date
o Outer packaging to ensure there are no tears or damages and that the autoclave tape is intact.
o If the expiration date has passed, the packaging is damaged, or the autoclave tape is unclear, the pack or tray must be discarded.
4. Open the towel and gown pack following the standard protocol for opening sterile packs.
5. Place the contents on the trolley or table with the edges facing upward (if placed with edges facing downward, opening may be difficult).
6. The scrub nurse opens the towels by pulling the first edge toward them, ensuring the gloves remain uncontaminated.
7. For opening an instrument tray, the circulating nurse places the tray on the clean table.
8. Cut the autoclave tape and hold the non-sterile outer edge of the wrapper.
9. Unfold the wrapper carefully (avoiding contact between the edges and the sterile tray contents).
10. Walk around the table and open the remaining wraps in the same manner:
o Avoid touching the inner part of the packaging.
o Ensure the tray remains level and does not touch the table surface.
