Microbial Penetration of Muslin- and Paper-Wrapped Sterile Packs Stored on Open Shelves and in Closed Cabinets

Abstract

Microbial penetration of sterile packs was studied using single-wrap (two layers) muslin, double-wrap (four layers) muslin, and two-way crepe paper (single layer) to wrap 20 gauze sponges (2 by 2 inch). These packs were stored in the central sterile supply departments of two hospitals and processed for sterility at predetermined intervals. Microorganisms penetrated single-wrap muslin as early as 3 days and double-wrap muslin and single-wrap two-way crepe paper in 21 to 28 days stored in open shelves. The time required for microbial penetration was at least twice as long when closed cabinets were used. Single-wrap muslin packs stored in sealed, impervious plastic bags remained sterile for at least 9 months. All sterile materials in pervious wrappers should be handled as little as possible and then only with extreme care and caution. Closed cabinets offer more protection than open shelves, and single wrappers are not recommended.

Effects of resterilization and storage time on sterility of paper/plastic pouches

“…This medium has basically similar ingredients to Trypticase soy broth employed in other studies. [ 5 13 14 15 16 ] It can be used to culture both aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria. [ 17 ] We monitored the culture results for up to 2 weeks which was similar to the time period utilized in previous studies, as positive cultures might still be observed in the 2 nd week.…”

“…Safe storage depends on the conditions of the storage environment. Previous studies found that storing sterilized equipment in open environments, such as open shelves, resulted in faster microbial penetration than storing in closed cabinets with dustcovers,[ 5 ] and that using different packaging materials (reusable woven packs, disposable nonwoven packs, and polypropylene peel pouches) had no effect on safe storage time. [ 6 ] This indicates that the storage environment may be a more important factor than the type of packaging material in maintaining sterility.…”

Preliminary Results for a New Final Package Test to Assess the Quality of Sterile Package Systems

“…9 In two other studies, 2 of 195 and 1 of 108 control packages were found to be accidentally contaminated. 10,11 Therefore, methods in which the packages are opened as part of the microbiologic assay technique have the disadvantage of producing occasional false-positive results.…”

Influência da temperatura e da umidade relativa ambientais na manutenção da esterilidade de materiais autoclavados e armazenados em diferentes embalagens

“…Wedwkind (2004), de que este método de transferência leva à contaminação acidental das amostras, como nos experimentos de Klapes et al (1987); Neves et al 2004; Standard et al (1971;1973) embora este último não tenha considerado esta possibilidade, sendo, inclusive, criticado, posteriormente, por não considerar tal eventualidade (KLAPES et al, 1987;BUTT et al, 1991).…”

“…The experiment results allowed concluding that the high temperature and high air humidity do not interfere in the barrier efficiency of the packs. ,1996;JAPP,1997;BRONZATTI, 2003;AAMI, 2006;AIA, 2006;AORN, 2008;SOBECC, 2009;PADOVEZE et al, 2010 (STANDARD et al, 1971;STANDARD et al,1973;KLAPES et al, 1987;WEBSTER et al, 2003;NEVES et al,2004 A importância desse fator no armazenamento de medicamentos e também de alimentos parece estar bem definida, sobretudo porque é possível relacionar os efeitos degradantes ocorridos nesses produtos pelas alterações na temperatura que não estão bem definidas para as propriedades de biobarreira das embalagens.…”