What action should a surgical technologist take if there are concerns about the sterility of a package?

When there are concerns about the sterility of a package, the most appropriate action is to get rid of it and obtain another. This is critical because the integrity of sterile instruments and supplies is essential to preventing surgical site infections and ensuring patient safety. If there is any doubt about whether the package is sterile, including visible damage, moisture, or an open seal, it is best practice to discard it rather than risk introducing non-sterile items into the surgical field.

Using the package anyway is not acceptable, as doing so could compromise the surgical procedure and the patient's health. Similarly, re-sterilizing the package is not a reliable option, as it may not address the original concern about the package's sterility and could lead to further complications. Checking with the surgeon could cause unnecessary delays and is not a substitute for following established protocols regarding sterility. Therefore, the safest course of action is to eliminate any uncertainty by discarding the questionable item and acquiring a new, verified sterile package.