Barrier properties and cost implications of a single versus a double wrap for storing sterile instrument packs

Webster, Joan, Radke, Elinor, George, Narelle, Faoagali, Joan and Harris, Mary (2005) Barrier properties and cost implications of a single versus a double wrap for storing sterile instrument packs. American journal of infection control, 33 6: 348-352.


Author Webster, Joan
Radke, Elinor
George, Narelle
Faoagali, Joan
Harris, Mary
Title Barrier properties and cost implications of a single versus a double wrap for storing sterile instrument packs
Journal name American journal of infection control  (ERA 2012 Listed)    (ERA 2010 Rank A*)   Check publisher's open access policy
Publication date 2005-08
Sub-type Article
DOI 10.1016/j.ajic.2004.11.010
Volume number 33
Issue number 6
ISSN 0196-6553
Start page 348
End page 352
Total pages 5
Place of publication St Louis, MO
Publisher Mosby-Year Book
Language eng
Subject 1110 Nursing
Abstract Background Materials for wrapping sterile items continue to evolve, but evaluation of such products under clinical conditions is rare. The purpose of the current study was to test a new product before introducing it to the hospital's sterilizing processing unit. Methods Four hundred packs containing 1199 items were prepared. Half were wrapped in linen and Kimguard sterile wrap (Kimberley-Clark Australia Pty, Ltd; Queensland, Australia), and half were wrapped in Kimguard One-Step sterile wrap (Kimberley-Clark). They were stored on shelves in 4 areas in the hospital. Items from the packs were periodically tested in the laboratory to evaluate shelf life. Time of wrapping was measured on a series of 50 packs (25 using each product), wrapped by 1 experienced person. These were unwrapped by an operating room nurse, and, again, the process was timed. Results Bacteria were cultured from 20 (1.7%) of the 1157 test items. There were no differences on this measure between the 2 products (P = .64). Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most frequent isolate, accounting for 40% of the positive results. The average time taken to wrap the test tray with the double wrap was 56.4 seconds compared with 32.4 seconds with the single wrap (P ≤ .000). Unwrapping the single pack (5.02 seconds) was also faster than unwrapping the double-wrap pack (6.92 seconds; P = .000). Conclusions Wrapping sterile items using Kimguard one-step sterile wrap carries no greater risk of bacterial contamination than double-wrap methods and may lead to significant cost savings in both labor (time to wrap) and consumables (linen and recycling costs).
Q-Index Code C1
Q-Index Status Provisional Code
Institutional Status Non-UQ

Document type: Journal Article
Sub-type: Article
Collections: Excellence in Research Australia (ERA) - Collection
School of Nursing and Midwifery Publications
 
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