How often should a technician inspect the integrity of a sterile set?

The frequency of inspecting the integrity of a sterile set is crucial for maintaining patient safety and ensuring effective sterile processing. Inspecting the sets every time they are handled allows technicians to immediately identify any breaches in sterility, such as tears in packaging, broken seals, or contamination. This practice is essential because even a small compromise can lead to potential infection risks during surgical procedures. Regular inspections also reinforce adherence to strict protocols involved in sterile processing, allowing for quick corrective actions to be taken if any issues are found.

Although there are other suggested frequencies of inspection mentioned in the other choices, they do not provide the same level of safety and assurance as handling and inspecting every time the sets are accessed. Consistent checks help maintain the highest standards of sterility and minimize the risk of contamination.