摘要 |
<p>The invention provides a method and means whereby sterility of a hand or handle (2, 23) used to manipulate a disposable item of medical equipment such as a laryngoscope blade (1) or oral inspection spatula (22) can be maintained to thereby decrease the necessity for sterilizing activities. The disposable item of medical equipment is packaged in a packaging sheath (4) in a manner enabling the sheath to be opened at its distal end (5) and to be turned inside out towards its proximal end (6) to expose the item of medical equipment with the packaging sheath forming a sheath over a medical practitioner's hand or a handle supporting the item of medical equipment in use. After use, the sheath can be returned to its original position in which it encloses the disposable item of medical equipment together with any body fluids that may have accumulated on the surface of the sheath whilst covering the handle or hand supporting it in use. Preferably, means (8, 15, 29) are provided for closing the sheath once more in the final position.</p> |