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 on a needle holder is to rinse the suture. This process is crucial as it removes any residue from the manufacturing process, such as lubricants or preservatives that may be present on the sutures. Rinsing ensures that the sutures are clean and safe for use in a surgical setting, minimizing the risk of infection or adverse reactions during the procedure.

Soaking the sutures in saline, while a common practice in some situations, is not necessarily the second step and is often done primarily to hydrate the suture or prepare it for handling. Cutting sutures to required lengths is usually done later in the preparation process, once the proper size has been determined based on the surgical requirements. Sterilizing sutures using heat is essential for ensuring they are sterile before surgery, but absorbable sutures typically come pre-sterilized and do not require this step again if they are properly stored and handled.