M A R C H 2 0 2 0 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y. N E T • 6 1
W
hy continue
to carefully
cover
instrument
trays with
blue wrap — making even folds,
straightening the edges and
neatly taping the package shut
— when you can place tools in
the customized inlays of rigid
sterilization containers, snap on
a lid and send them through the
autoclave? The choice seems
obvious when you consider the
benefits rigid containers offer to
time-strapped sterile processing professionals.
1. Instrument upkeep
You can make a compelling case for investing in rigid containers
by focusing on greater instrument longevity. "Rigid containers sim-
ply protect instruments better than blue wrap does," says Nancy
Chobin, RN, AAS, ACSP, CSPM, CFER, president of Sterile
Processing University, a New Jersey-based organization that pro-
vides online continuing education for sterile processing profession-
als. "That's especially important when you consider the amount of
money facilities invest in surgical instruments. An average hospital
• BETTER OPTION Reprocessing techs appreciate the conven-
ience and added efficiencies of working with rigid containers.
Making the Case for Rigid Containers
Better instrument protection and environmental benefits are just
a few of the reasons facilities are deciding to do away with blue wrap.
Jared Bilski | Managing Editor