Chapter 2: Table of Contents
Opening the Linen Pack:
A hat and mask are worn while opening the linen pack. Each linen pack contains four ground drapes, a gown and hand towel followed by a second gown and hand towel. This pack should be opened just prior to going to scrub and for junior surgery, both layers are to be opened prior to scrubbing as you will come back with wet hands and require the towel. Before the pack is opened, one should ensure that the pack has not expired and that tapes have changed colours indicating sterilization. All sterility indicator tapes must be removed completely. Unfold one corner of the pack at a time preventing the cloth or paper from recoiling and contaminating the sterile materials. While opening the pack, your unsterile fingers should only touch the outside of the wrap or the very edge (often coloured) of it. The surgeon or technician should never reach over a pack and should rather move around the pack to prevent contamination.
Open Gloves:
The gloves shall be opened prior to going to scrub in order to ensure you do not need to wait for assistance. The package is pealed and the gloves are allowed to fall onto the site sterilely. Be careful not to place the gloves too close to the edges of the drape that you have touched to prevent contaminating the gloves.
< Opening the Instrument Pack Opening the Laparotomy Sheets >