Wet packs after steam sterilization
CRCST practice question · Sterilization Process
At the end of a cycle, a technician finds visible moisture on the outside of a wrapped tray. What should be done with the tray?
- A. Let it dry on the cart, then release it to sterile storage
- B. Consider it non-sterile, reprocess it, and investigate the cause
- C. Wipe the moisture off and release it if the indicator passed
- D. Release it only for use in the same day's cases
Answer
B. Consider it non-sterile, reprocess it, and investigate the cause
A wet pack is considered contaminated because moisture can wick microorganisms through the packaging. It must be repackaged and resterilized, and the cause should be looked into; a passing chemical indicator does not make a wet pack acceptable.
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