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material with synthetic binders and small amounts of polyethylene terephthalate fibers. This increases the material’s malleability without compromising the bacterial barrier or moisture absorbent properties. Synthetic nonwoven wraps using syn- thetic filaments are the most common steriliation wrap in use. he wraps are created by melting a plastic and spinning the molten liuid to create filaments. hen a continuous filament is made and depos- ited it is referred to as spunbond. hen the filament is finer and noncontinuous, the process is called meltblown. ypically, sterilization wrap is composed of three to four spunbond and meltblown layers of polypropylene (a type of polyolefin). hese wraps are durable, moisture repellent, and chemically resistant.


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enough to be loosely folded to provide a barrier to environmental contamination but should not be so loose that it could snag or buckle and create an opportunity for con- tamination. rap that is too large creates etra folds or bulky areas that may make sterilant penetration difficult. rap that is too small can buckle and reeal open path- ways leading directly to the packs contents. Strength. rap must be strong enough to


hold the deices without tearing. Each type of wrap is rated for specific item weights. his is particularly true for nonwoen wraps. Items that weigh more than the wrap’s rated weight could cause extra stress on corners that results in tearing. ompare your facil- ity’s wrapped item weights against the weight ratings of the wraps under consid- eration to ensure that a solution is available for all wrapped items. Its also important to keep this in mind


Figure 1: Single Use 2-ply synthetic sterilization wrap.


Functional factors impacting performance


There are a number of factors to consider before choosing between a woven reusable wrap and a nonwoen single-use wrap. oreoer, it may actually be necessary to select more than one type, sie, and weight of sterilization wrap to address all the needs in a particular facility.


The way in which a sterilization wrap


is used in a sterile processing department dictates the performance requirements that are needed. here are fie key factors to consider when determining sterilization wrap performance needs for your facility. Size. Sterilization wrap must be appro- priately sized to properly enclose specialty trays, general instrument trays, bowls, and bulky or unusually shaped medical deices for steriliation. he wrap should be large


the higher the weight rating, the thicker the wrap. hickness combined with the water repellency of a dual-layer wrap can lead to unwanted moisture events when lightweight items are wrapped with thicker wraps. e sure to follow each wrap products instructions for use. Compatibility. The sterilization wrap must be compatible and validated for the steriliation processes used at the facility. Each wraps instructions for use should include a list of sterilization processes and cycle parameters for which it has been alidated. It may be necessary to hae more than one wrap type, weight rating, and sie to accommodate all steriliation processes. Malleability. Sterilization wraps must be fleible enough to conform to the shapes of the items being wrapped, but also be rigid enough to preent snags and abrasions. A wrap’s malleability is also especially important for aseptic opening. septically opening a pack reuires surgical staff to pull the various folds away from the sterile items without touching them. alleable wraps can achieve this because they easily drape away from the pack contents when pulled. raps with poor malleability can be difficult to unwrap and may retain shape memory after steriliation and storage, both of which complicate aseptic opening of the wrapped item. Moisture absorption properties. This


fifth performance factor is a bit of a double- edged sword. n the one hand, good mois- ture absorption and wicking help distribute condensate during steam sterilization and promote drying. n the other hand, these same properties can be a negative if a sterile


pack is eposed to humidity during storage since they may increase microbial migration into absorbent materials. raps with moisture-repellent natures do


not absorb moisture during storage, but they tend to allow pooling of condensate and can be challenging to dry after steam steriliation. This challenge can be easily overcome by fol- lowing all instructions for use, ensuring good steam uality, and using wicking materials within the wrapped items.


Process factors impacting successful use


There are a few process-related consider- ations to review when selecting new steril- iation wraps. hough they are not directly related to the wraps performance, failure to address these could lead to a poor conver- sion eperience. Prep and pack processes. The depart- ment’s set preparation and wrapping tech- niques should be reviewed for compliance to manufacturer’s written instructions for use. he reiew should include confirming weight ratings and sterilization parameters and assessing the department’s wrap fold- ing techniues. In general, wraps should be folded loosely to prevent stress on corners and edges. Howeer, wraps should not be so loose that they easily catch on other items, which can cause tears, punctures, or prema- ture opening of the pack. here are seeral recommended methods for wrapping items. Refer to each wrap’s instructions for use and to guidelines such as the ANSI/AAMI ST79 omprehensie guide to steam steriliation and sterility assurance in health care facilities for specific details. Procedures should be updated, training proided, and competency erified before conerting to any new wrap. Wrap accessories. Items such as tray


corner protectors, absorbentwicking towels, tray liners, instrument organiers, tray pouches and other accessories are used within wrapped items to help protect wrap from damage or to encourage condensate drainage and drying during steam steril- iation. Its important to assure that these accessories are validated for use with the new wrap. his is especially important when going to a new wrap material that has different moisture absorbing and wicking properties. Handling and transport techniques.


ll wrapped packages should be touched as little as possible. rapped items should always be lifted from the bottom and placed onto the sterilier racks. hey should not be pushed or pulled across surfaces, since


hpnonline.com • HEALTHCARE PURCHASING NEWS • July 2022 47


Self-Study Test Answers: 1. D, 2. D, 3. B, 4. B, 5. A, 6. D, 7. D, 8. B, 9. A, 10. B


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