Have you ever left your wet laundry in the washer for too long? Or perhaps your dishes didn’t dry completely before you put them on the shelf? The attached photo is a first-hand account of what happens when items are not dry. It leads to mold!

If this is what can happen to dishes, cutlery, or in this case, a glass, imagine what could happen to surgical instruments that are not allowed to dry after sterilization?

The second photo shows moisture on the outside of a wrapped package after sterilization. If it's wet on the outside, it's very likely to be wet on the inside. Do we use as is or reprocess? AAMI, AORN, ISO and FDA confirm that wet items should be avoided at all costs for they can endanger the well being of patients. The only exception is when items are required for immediate use and these sets need to be documented. Otherwise, the only other option is to reprocess.

This is why Case Medical promotes dry sets for terminal sterilization. Our rigid reusable sterilization containers have the fastest dry times when compared to competitive products. A faster dry time enables sterile processing staff to expedite instrument sets to the OR and provide safer outcomes for patients.

Case Medical will be exhibiting at IAHCSMM this year in Phoenix. Please join us at booth #825 to learn how containers can be safer and drier for terminal and IUSS sterilization.

Warm Regards,

Marcia Frieze, CEO, and the Case Medical Team