Key Points

• All other materials needed for the surgical procedure that will come into contact with the surgical site must be sterile, and must be used within their stated expiry dates.
• It is often convenient to purchase items such as scalpel blades and sutures in sterile packs, which are opened when required.
• Delicate materials, for example catheters, that could not withstand autoclaving can be purchased pre-sterilised, or sterilised using other methods, such as ethylene oxide.