Hygiene Atlas

Start here · Sterilization · The instrument processing cycle

7. Label and date

Also called: load label, dating packs

Mark each package with the date and which sterilizer it went through.

Even when an office uses event-related shelf life, CDC says every package should at least show the sterilization date. If the office has more than one sterilizer, also mark which one, so packs can be found and recalled if a sterilizer fails.

What you do

  1. Use the label spot and marker your office specifies so the writing stays readable after the cycle.

Related

Sources: CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17)