Recently, we have been made aware of supply shortages related to sterilization wraps utilized in the sterile packing of instruments which has especially affected ambulatory surgery centers. These shortages could impact the reprocessing and preparation of sterile surgical instruments and delay patient care if not navigated quickly.

It appears likely that these shortages are related to the reallocation of resources towards manufacturing personal protective equipment (PPE) that has occurred in response to the heightened needs of the pandemic. Some manufacturers have indicated that they are pivoting back to normal production and that the shortages should be short-lived. Read ECRI’s Alert for more information and manufacturer product availability,

If your facility is experiencing shortages, ECRI recommends the following short and long-term steps you can take:

1. Review Product Sizes- Consider switching to other sterile wrap products from your current vendor, including different dimensions or thicknesses. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instruction for use (IFU) if doing so. We do not recommend cutting wraps, as it could impact the effectiveness of the wrap.

2. Source Functionally Equivalent Products- Consider purchasing wraps from alternate manufacturers. Blue sterile wrap is produced by several manufacturers; O&M Halyard, Medline Industries, and Cardinal Hospital Science are some of the top manufacturers of sterile wraps and available through many channels. In transitioning to a new vendor, consider the products' dimensions, weight, compatible sterilization methods, and FDA clearance when changing manufacturers and making new purchase decisions.

3. Consider alternate sterile packaging products such as reusable wraps or rigid containers.

   1. Reusable wraps are not widely adopted because of the many challenges associated with the reuse, such as checking for integrity after each use and tracking washes.

   2. Rigid sterilization container transition is solution to address blue sterile wrap shortages, but a long-term investment. It is essential to note that it may take a few months to fully move to this new method of packaging. A switch to containers is a long-term strategic decision that could impact your sterile processing workflow. If rigid containers are selected, ECRI recommends ensuring that your facility can appropriately reprocess the containers between each use as per manufacturer instructions, ensuring that the appropriate biological and chemical indicators are available, and that your facility has the required storage space.

Sterilization practices are complex, but ECRI has the expertise, through our health device engineers, patient safety, infection prevention, and clinical evidence assessment groups to help you navigate this multifaceted situation based on your ASC’s unique situation and needs. For more information on how ECRI can help you, please visit ECRI.

About ECRI

ECRI is an independent, nonprofit organization improving the safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness of care across all healthcare settings. With a focus on patient safety, evidence-based medicine, and technology decision support, ECRI is the trusted expert for healthcare leaders and agencies worldwide. The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) is an ECRI affiliate. Visit ecri.org and follow @ECRI_Org.