Sterilization was not always the model of developed science that it is today. While both doctors and dentists alike have never had anything but the best intentions for their patients, at one time the technology could not keep up. Interesting enough the primary issues in the sterilization procedure did not relate to their ability to disinfect an item, but rather their ability to keep it sterile. The standard process, believe it or not, after a tool was sterilized was to wrap it in a type of green towel, tape it shut and mark it as sterile. This not only proved to be a highly inefficient process, but also in fact, did very little to ensure that sterility was maintained. With this method of packaging, for liability purposes any contact with liquid splatter or fluids would mean re-sterilization was in order. Fortunately, today sterilization is an entirely different animal. Through the development of the modern sterilization pouch the shortcomings of the towel method have been addressed, making medicine safer for the patient and doctor alike.

A sterilization pouch serves the function of containing an item during two phases. First, it must be the vessel in which the item is packaged during sterilization. Second, it must be the vessel in which the item is stored until the point of use. A modern sterilization pouch must therefore contain several crucial elements.

First and foremost, a pouch must be constructed out of two separate materials. One side the unit should be made of an impermeable polymer laminate. This is a transparent material that allows full vision of the equipment within. The other side, however, should be constructed out of a virgin, non-recycled craft paper. Craft paper provides the perfect amount of permeability, being porous to the necessary sterilization vapors while keeping all other particles (such as microorganisms out).

Second, the device should utilize several indicator devices to signal weather the item within is sterile. The first set of devices is an internal and external indicator. These strips, which will be printed onto the pouch, will change color once proper sterilization is achieved. The second alert should come in the form of a blue-tinted cover. This cover should change color if the pouch experiences a tear, letting the user know that the item has been contaminated.

Third the pouch must have adequate sealing features. There must be a self-sealing mechanism at the top of the unit, allowing users to reseal. The unit should also have a heat sealed, adhesive side. This heat seal provides an important protection against punctures and tears, a common occurrence given the type of items held within. An additional element found in many pouches is a triple-sealed side, providing further puncture protection.

The fourth feature often goes overlooked, but is nevertheless critical to the process. An easy to use lip and flap provide an element of functionality to the device. It is important to remember that sterilization pouches are used in high-stress, high precision and incredibly delicate surgical procedures. Convenient access of equipment is therefore key. A lip allows for better grip on the product and less fumbling, while a flap provides for quick and easy access.

Author Bio: Purchasing the correct sterilization pouch is critical to the success and safety of any dental procedure. Everett Tremblay and the team he works with at Med 101 Dental work hard to research this subject everyday. To learn more about their project, visit the leading dental supply authority for the most up-to-date information.

Category: Medical Business
Keywords: Dental Pouch, Dental Supply