When should linen packs be sterilized?

Linen packs should be sterilized before they are used to ensure that they are free from microorganisms that could potentially cause infections. This practice is essential in maintaining a sterile environment, particularly in healthcare settings where the risk of contamination is high. Sterilizing linen packs in advance means that they are ready to be used safely during surgical procedures or patient care, providing an added layer of protection against infections.

Proper sterilization methods must be employed to ensure that all items, including linen packs, reach the necessary sterility assurance level. This is critical because using unsterilized linen could compromise patient safety and treatment outcomes. Therefore, the requirement to sterilize linen packs before use reflects best practices in infection control and patient safety protocols in central sterile processing.