Packaging & Storage

Packaging materials (e.g., wrapped or container systems) allow penetration of the sterilizing agent and maintain sterility of the processed item after sterilization.

Packaging materials include wrapped perforated instrument cassettes, peel pouches of plastic or paper, and sterilization wraps (which can be either woven or unwoven). Packaging materials should be designed for the type of sterilization process being used and should be appropriate for the items being sterilized.

Types and Use of Sterilization Packaging Materials

Modified from Miller CH and Palenik CJ (2010).

Before placing packaged instruments in the sterilizer, at a minimum, include the following information on the label:

• Sterilizer used
• Cycle or load number
• Date of sterilization
• Expiration date, if applicable

Sterile instruments and supplies should be stored in covered or closed cabinets. Dental instruments and supplies should not be stored under sinks or in other places where they might become wet. Wrapped packages of sterilized instruments should be inspected before opening and use to ensure that the packaging has not been compromised (i.e., wet, torn, or punctured) during storage.

Storage practices for wrapped sterilized instruments can be either date- or event-related. Although some facilities continue to date every sterilized package and use shelf-life practices (first in, first out), other facilities have switched to event-related practices. This approach recognizes that the product should remain sterile until some event causes the item to become contaminated (e.g., a package becomes torn or wet). All packages containing sterile items should be inspected before use to verify that the package is not wet, torn, or damaged in any way. If it is, the instruments should be recleaned, packaged in new wrap, and resterilized.