Instrument Care

RECOMMENDED STEPS IN CLEANING, STERILIZATION & MAINTENANCE OF SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS

1. HOLDING / PRESOAK
It is important never to hold instruments in a dry container, which allows blood and debris to dry onto instrument surfaces and makes cleaning more difficult. If rinsing and decontamination processes are not immediately available, pre-treat instruments or hold in a neutral holding/presoak enzymatic solution after patient use but before actual cleaning. Prep Enzyme Foaming spray for pre-cleaning of soiled instruments and scopes. Simply spray on instruments until ready for rinsing and disinfection. Also, use neutral pH all purpose multi-enzyme concentrate is ideal for instrument presoaking and pre-cleaning. As soon as possible, rinse, disinfect and clean as follows:

2. RINSING
Immediately after surgery, remove organic materials by rinsing instruments under warm (not hot) running water. Rinse should remove most blood fluids and tissue. Do not process metals (stainless, copper, chrome plated, etc.) together. Always wear safety protection gear.

3. DISINFECTING
To protect medical personnel from contamination during cleaning, immerse instruments completely in an EPA approved disinfectant for approximately 10–20 minutes. Always closely follow manufacturers’ recommended disinfecting time and solution preparation and instruction. Then rinse again.
CAUTION:
Disinfected instruments are NOT STERILE. Never expose stainless steel instruments to bleach or other corrosive chemicals to disinfect. Exposure to bleach may result in instruments pitting and will void all manufacturer guarantees.

4. CLEANING
All blood dried body fluids should be completely removed from the instruments prior to sterilization. Several methods are available.

Soak: An enzymatic cleaner bath (soak) or a solution of water and neutral pH (7) detergent are effective in removing organic material from instruments...

Ultrasonic Cleaning: Most instruments manufacturers recommend ultrasonic cleaning as the most effective way to clean surgical instruments...

Automatic Washer Sterilizer: Follow manufacturers’ recommendations but ensure instruments are lubricated after the last rinse cycle...

Manual Cleaning: If ultrasonic cleaning is not available, use stiff nylon brushes, neutral pH detergents, and inspect instruments carefully...

5. AFTER CLEANING
Separate dissimilar metals prior to sterilizing/autoclaving. If instruments are to be stored, let them air-dry and store them in a clean and dry environment.

6. AUTOCLAVING
Lubricate all hinged instruments and sterilize in open position. Use proper pouches or sets and avoid overloading the chamber.
CAUTION:
Improper autoclave handling may cause condensation and staining. Follow manufacturer instructions carefully.

7. CHEMICAL / COLD STERILIZATION
Most chemical sterilization solutions require long immersion and may damage instruments. Use only when necessary.

Sterile – an absolute term (no living organism survives)
Disinfected – basically clean; some organisms may survive.

Always use the proper sterilization/cleaning technique to render the instruments in the required condition for use.

CAUTION:
For instruments with tungsten carbide inserts jaws, we do not recommend use of chemical/cold sterilization solutions, which may deteriorate the instrument’s jaw.