A study of sterilization containers

The introduction of rigid sterilization container systems in the U.S. marketplace has brought about many questions regarding how they should be used and whether or not they provide a "total system for aseptic practice." Questions have even been raised as to whether the rigid container is a better system than the established cloth and non-woven methods of wrapping. The purpose of this article is to share the results of a study which was conducted to closely examine the use of containers. The focus of the study was to determine whether an inner wrap should be used, whether there were problems at the sterile field with presentation of instruments, and whether the container configuration caused problems in processing, sterilization, storage, or use at the field. No attempt was made to compare various systems.