Keeping it sterile: Fundamentals of sterile storage

Using sterile items in surgery is a fundamental practice, not a rudimentary one that can or should be taken for granted. Put simply, using unsterile items can result in a patient infection. If sterile storage conditions are not appropriate, the items can become contaminated. Such contamination may go undetected, rendering items unsafe and unusable. Therefore, healthcare facilities must take action to create an environment that properly protects sterile packages. This includes securing a proper sterile storage environment and developing policies and procedures to help ensure sterile packages are safely stored and handled.