Veterinary Surgical Pack Preparation and Sterilization Checklist
Post-operative infections from improperly sterilized surgical instruments are a leading preventable complication in veterinary surgery. This checklist ensures surgical pack preparation and sterilization meets AAHA standards.
- Industry: Veterinary
- Frequency: Per Surgical Day
- Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
- Role: Veterinary Technician / Surgery Coordinator
- Total Items: 36
Instrument Cleaning Pre-Sterilization
Verify instruments are properly cleaned before sterilization.
- All visible debris, blood, and tissue removed from instruments?
- Instruments soaked in enzymatic cleaner per manufacturer concentration and time?
- Hinged instruments (scissors, hemostats) cleaned in open position?
- Hollow instruments (cannulas, catheters) flushed with enzymatic cleaner?
- Instruments thoroughly rinsed with distilled or deionized water?
- Instruments inspected for damage, corrosion, or malfunction after cleaning?
Surgical Pack Assembly
Assemble surgical packs for sterilization.
- All hinged instruments placed in pack in open (unlatched) position?
- Instrument count completed and documented for each pack?
- Appropriate wrapping material used (sterilization wrap, pouch) for autoclave method?
- Class 5 chemical indicator placed inside each pack?
- Pack sealed and labeled with: contents, date, autoclave cycle, and technician initials?
- Pack size not exceeding autoclave manufacturer maximum dimensions and weight?
Autoclave Operation
Verify autoclave operation parameters.
- Autoclave cycle parameters correct for load type?
- Autoclave not overloaded - adequate spacing between packs?
- External chemical indicator checked after each cycle for color change?
- Autoclave printout or cycle record reviewed and filed?
- Packs allowed to dry completely before removing from autoclave?
- Any wet packs immediately rejected and repacked for re-sterilization?
Biological Indicator Testing
Weekly spore testing to validate autoclave.
- Weekly biological spore test performed?
- Most recent weekly spore test: NEGATIVE (no growth) = PASS?
- Spore test results logged with date and test brand?
- Failed spore test protocol documented and staff trained?
- Spore test strips in stock and within expiration date?
- Spore test records retained for minimum 3 years?
Sterile Pack Storage
Store sterilized packs to maintain sterility.
- Sterile packs stored in dry, clean, enclosed area away from moisture?
- Packs stored off floor and away from ceiling?
- FIFO rotation practiced - oldest packs used first?
- Sterility maintained until event-related expiration (pack integrity compromised)?
- All stored packs inspected for punctures, tears, or wet spots before use?
- External chemical indicator confirmed changed color before opening packs for surgery?
Documentation
Maintain required sterilization documentation.
- Autoclave cycle log complete for each run (date, time, parameters, load contents)?
- Instrument count documentation filed?
- Autoclave maintenance log current?
- Any discarded or rejected packs documented?
- Documentation ready for AAHA accreditation review?
- Next spore test date noted on calendar?
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Why Use This Veterinary Surgical Pack Preparation and Sterilization Checklist?
This veterinary surgical pack preparation and sterilization checklist helps veterinary teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for veterinary technician / surgery coordinator professionals, this checklist covers 36 critical inspection points across 6 sections. Recommended frequency: per surgical day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Veterinary Surgical Pack Preparation and Sterilization Checklist cover?
This checklist covers 36 inspection items across 6 sections: Instrument Cleaning Pre-Sterilization, Surgical Pack Assembly, Autoclave Operation, Biological Indicator Testing, Sterile Pack Storage, Documentation. It is designed for veterinary operations and compliance.
How often should this checklist be completed?
This checklist should be completed per surgical day. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
Who should use this Veterinary Surgical Pack Preparation and Sterilization Checklist?
This checklist is designed for Veterinary Technician / Surgery Coordinator professionals in the veterinary industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.
Can I download this checklist as a PDF?
Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.