What must a surgical technician ensure when opening sterile equipment in the OR?

When opening sterile equipment in the operating room, it is crucial for a surgical technician to ensure that the outer packaging has no tears. This is important because any breach in the packaging can compromise the sterile barrier, letting in contaminants that could lead to surgical site infections. Sterility is paramount in the OR, and the technician must visually inspect the packaging to ensure it remains intact before use. A tear or damage to the packaging not only undermines the sterility of the instruments but can also pose significant risks to patient safety during the procedure.

While checking for the source of the equipment, verifying expiration dates, and labeling are all important practices, the most immediate concern when handling sterile instruments is ensuring that their packaging remains uncontaminated. Thus, confirming that there are no tears in the outer packaging is an essential step in maintaining the integrity of the sterile environment.