Wet pack

Sterile processing definition

A wet pack is a package that has visible moisture on or in it after a sterilization cycle and cooling. Moisture can wick microorganisms through the packaging, so wet packs are considered non-sterile and must be reprocessed. Causes include overloading, poor loading, heavy sets, wet steam and problems with the steam supply.

On the CRCST exam

Expect the scenario: a tray has moisture after the cycle. Consider it non-sterile, reprocess it and investigate the cause.

Exam domain: Sterilization Process (about 21% of the exam)

Sterilization Process practice questions

The conditions steam sterilization needs
Prevacuum steam cycle time and temperature
Wet packs after steam sterilization
How to load basins in a steam sterilizer

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