After a surgical procedure, where should all unused surgical materials be returned?

Unused surgical materials should be returned to Central Supply after a surgical procedure. This area is specifically designated for the storage, organization, and eventual reprocessing of surgical supplies and instruments. Central Supply is equipped to handle and manage these materials, ensuring that they are properly cleaned, sterilized, and stored for future use.

Returning supplies to Central Supply also helps maintain an organized and efficient surgical environment, preventing clutter and ensuring that all items are accounted for and tracked appropriately. Other areas, such as the surgical suite or operating room cabinet, are not intended for the long-term storage or processing of unused materials, and the sterilization department focuses primarily on cleaning and sterilizing used items rather than storing unused supplies.