The objective of this study was to verify the efficacy of cotton fabric, made of serge bonding 2 x 1, as microbial barrier, when new and after multiple laundering and steam sterilization procedures. The power of the microbial barrier was correlated with physical characteristics of the fabric, using standard test methods for evaluation of weight, traction, stretching tearing resistance and microbiological characteristics. The microbiological results evidenced that the microbial barrier was effective when the wrapping material was new or went through a maximum of new 65 reprocessing procedures. As for the alterations in the physical characteristics of the reprocessed material, the decrease in weight seemed to be the event responsible for microbial barrier breaking. The timing of detected alterations in bursting, traction and stretching in the wrap and the reprocessed fabrics did not coincide with the moment of bacterial barrier breaking. The present investigation corroborates that the use double cotton fabric, for wrapping medical and hospital items for steam sterilization, is safe. Re-use number must be controlled, not exceeding 65 times.
microbiological barrier; cloth packing; reprocessing; reusable medical articles
