How Do I Open a Sterile Tray?

If you work in a lab or medical setting, you may have to open sterile packages without contaminating them. This can be difficult to do without the proper knowledge, so it is in your best interest to know the key procedures and best practices. Here is a quick guide to the basics of how to open a sterile tray.

How To Open a Sterile Tray

To open a sterile tray correctly, you will need to have a few materials on hand and know how to use them. In addition, be aware of the signs that something has gone wrong and how to respond to mishaps.

Gather Important Materials

Before you attempt to open a sterile tray, make sure you have access to the following materials.

• A faucet
• Antibacterial hand soap
• Sterile rubber or latex gloves
• A lab bench or other flat surface
• A CDC-approved surface disinfectant
• Sterile paper towels

Once you have gathered all of the necessary materials, start by putting on your sterile gloves.

Put on Sterile Gloves Correctly

Putting on sterile gloves may seem intuitive at first, but there is a special procedure you have to follow if you want them to remain sterile. Use the following steps to ensure that your gloves are sterile and ready for the lab.

1. Decontaminate the lab bench using your disinfectant. Allow the surface to dry out completely before using.
2. Wash your hands with soap and warm water for 20-30 seconds.
3. Dry your hands off completely using the paper towels.
4. Pick one glove up by the cuff, being careful to only touch the inside.
5. Slide the glove onto your opposite hand, ensuring that the outside of the glove does not touch your exposed skin.
6. Repeat this process on the opposite hand.
7. Avoid touching your clothes, face, or anything else that has not been sterilized. If you do, you will have to remove your gloves and repeat the process.

Once you have put on sterile gloves, you can safely move on to opening the sterile tray.

Open the Tray

When opening the sterile tray, bear in mind that its outer edges are considered contaminated and should be avoided. Before opening the tray, be sure that you are wearing a mask to avoid spreading airborne contaminants to its contents. 

Start by removing the wrapper. To do so, pinch the center of the wrapper and pull. Do not pull from the edge, as this may cause you to come into contact with the tray’s contaminated border. Be sure that the end of the tray that’s being opened is facing away from your body. Once you’ve removed the wrapper, throw it away in a designated waste bin. 

Once you have done this, you should have access to all of the tools inside the sterile tray. Continue to practice sterile technique while you are using them, and properly clean and/or dispose of them once you are done. Decontaminate your workspace using the cleaner we mentioned before, remove and dispose of your mask and gloves, and wash your hands thoroughly before leaving the lab.

High-Quality Sterile Trays From Ready-Made

Opening a sterile tray correctly is key, but you also need a trusted source to purchase those sterile trays. If you want the best products and on the market for affordable and reliable sterile trays, contact our team at Ready-Made today! We offer custom plastic trays for a variety of industries, and would love to answer any questions you may have.