Abstract: A sterile package for holding a vascular puncture closure system including an elongated flexible guide-wire. The package comprises a tray, a cover, and a holder for the guide-wire. The tray is formed of a self-supporting plastic material and includes a hollow central interior portion with a flange extending thereabout. A plurality of recesses are provided in the tray to hold respective ones of the components making up the closure system. A pair of retaining tabs are located on opposite sides of the hollow central interior and project slightly thereover. The holder is sealed and includes an interior arcuate raceway for holding the guide-wire in a coiled configuration with one end extending out of a small access port in the holder. The holder is arranged to be releasably held under the tabs onto the tray. The cover is arranged to be releasably secured by a heat seal to the peripheral flange of the tray over the holder.