What is the second step in preparing absorbable sutures before loading on a needle holder?

The second step in preparing absorbable sutures before loading them onto a needle holder is to rinse the suture. This process is important because absorbable sutures can have coatings or residuals from the manufacturing process that need to be removed. Rinsing helps to ensure that any foreign substances are eliminated, which can be particularly crucial in surgical settings where cleanliness is paramount to prevent infection and to promote optimal integration of the sutures into the tissues.

After rinsing, subsequent steps, such as drying the suture and cutting the ends if necessary, follow to prepare the sutures appropriately for use. However, rinsing is distinctly positioned as the second step as it directly addresses the sterility and cleanliness of the suture before it is handled further. This preparation is an essential part of maintaining surgical protocol and ensuring patient safety.