Five checks when receiving sterile goods
Five things to check before a carton goes on the shelf: outer carton, pouch seal, indicator colour, expiry date and lot match.
A sterile product is only as sterile as its packaging. If every carton is checked in its first minute at the warehouse, a faulty item never reaches the shelf. We simplified the checks our own quality team runs before dispatch for receiving teams.
1. Outer carton
Accept crushed, wet or torn cartons only with a damage report signed by the courier. Moisture breaks the barrier of paper-faced sterile pouches; do not use items from a carton that got wet.
2. Pouch seal
The seal along the peel edge must be continuous. If you see a channel, wrinkle or opened corner, set that unit aside. Holding the pouch against the light shows pinholes.
3. Indicator
The process indicator on the pouch or label shows the item went through sterilisation. If the colour has not changed, the item may not have been processed: report it before use.
4. Expiry date
The date next to the hourglass symbol is how long sterility is valid. Move short-dated stock to the front: first to expire, first out.
5. Lot and delivery note
The carton’s lot number and expiry date must match the delivery note. ÜTS notifications are made with these details, so a mismatch causes work later.
Every ClinicalHub delivery note lists lot and expiry for each line; if anything does not match, send us a photo within 2 working days.
