What should be done with sterilized items if the packaging is damaged?

When sterilized items have damaged packaging, they cannot be guaranteed to remain sterile since the integrity of the package is compromised. Sterilization ensures that all microorganisms are eliminated, but once the packaging is damaged, there is a risk of contamination from the environment. Therefore, the best and safest practice is to discard the items to maintain patient safety and avoid the risk of infections. Using such items could expose patients to harmful pathogens, and re-sterilizing them may not effectively restore their sterility due to the possibility of residual contaminants. Storing damaged items for future use is also inappropriate, as there is no assurance that they will remain safe for use later. Thus, discarding damaged sterile items is the correct and safest course of action.