Why must sterile instruments remain in sealed containers until use?

The primary reason sterile instruments must remain in sealed containers until use is to maintain sterility and prevent contamination. Sterility is critical in the operating room to reduce the risk of postoperative infections and to ensure patient safety. When instruments are sealed, they provide a barrier against environmental contaminants, including bacteria and dust, which can compromise their sterility.

Once the seal is broken, the instruments become exposed to the surrounding environment, where they could easily become contaminated. Maintaining a sterile field during surgical procedures is a fundamental principle in infection control, which is why the integrity of that seal until the moment of use is imperative.

Other aspects like readily available instruments for emergencies, identification of tools, and compliance with storage regulations are important but secondary to the primary goal of keeping instruments sterile to protect patient health.