low-temp, for example) and the name of the set that's in the container
or wrapped pack. The sets are then loaded into the sterilizer, which
electronically monitors every cycle to ensure specified parameters
have been met.
Whether blue wrap or rigid containers are used, we place steriliza-
tion indicators in the most challenging spots for steam to reach —
under instruments and in corners. For example, we place 2 indicators
on each level of multilevel trays in rigid containers. The containers are
also locked with disposable plastic clips that contain a sterilization
indicator dot, so we can quickly see that they passed through cycles
properly before sending them to the ORs. When lids are popped in the
OR, staff there can confirm that steam reached all of the instruments
with a quick check of the indicators we placed before sterilization.