Rinse all instruments under warm water (not hot) immediately after surgery to remove most blood, tissue, and bodily fluids scrub with nylon brush if needed.
2. Disinfecting (To prevent all personnel from contamination during cleaning process)
A. If an enzymatic cleaner bath is preferred then follow the individual manufacturers detailed instructions.
B. Immerse all instruments completely in an EPA approved disinfectant for an additional 10 minutes and rinse again.
C. Never expose stainless steel instruments to bleach or other corrosive chemicals. Exposure to these products will result in severe pitting of your instruments and will not disinfect them. This will also void all manufacturer guarantees.
3. Cleaning
Instruments should be washed in a neutral soapy detergent (A factor of 7pH should be used)
A. Ultrasonic Cleaning and Auto Washers
Each manufacturer has its own guidelines for which should be followed explicitly these few tips will help the life span of our fine products.
1. Make sure to submerge all instruments completely.
2. All instruments should be in an open position and should not overlap each other especially the tips and cutting edges.
3. Do not mix types of steel when cleaning / disinfecting or sterilizing.
4. Use the lid. All of these cleaners may stain or destroy your office counters.
5. Change cleanser as often as recommended.
6. Oil with spray or drop type oil before final rinse.
7. Rinse again to remove all cleanser solution completely.
8. Dry completely.
1. Use a nylon brush to get all the nooks and parts clean. (Do not use any metal brushes)
2. Use only neutral (pH 7) detergents and rinse thoroughly a low pH (acidic – less than 6 pH) detergents will cause a breakdown of the protective surface deposit (this is the phosphates) they stick to the metals carbon / iron parts of the steel. Even though there are finer this could be removed with a rub of a finger or with an eraser but when left it will also become more pitted and eventually not be able to be removed.
3. Be careful. Delicate / sharp instruments are dangerous this would be a good time to inspect the working order of each instrument making sure that they are smooth in the lock and hinges.
4. Oil and then rinse again.
5. Instruments should be dryed with towels and put away. If stored please oil again and put in a clean dry environment.
4. Autoclaving
A. All instruments with metal action such as scissors, hemostats, needle holders etc. must be lubricated first then packed.
B. You should if sterilized in pouches (paper or plastic) in sets or individual. Use a suitable large enough pouch 4” or better so you could open all locks never sterilize in a locked position.
1. When doing sets make sure all instruments are in an unlocked position placing heavier instruments on the bottom of the sets when two layers are required.
2. Do not overload autoclave chamber, pockets of moisture can form this is also a bad haven for bacteria that the steam cannot sterilize.
3. Clean your filters and chamber often.
4. Place a towel at the bottom of your pan to soak up any excess moisture during the process this will reduce wet packs chances.
Most cold sterilization processes are still after a 10-hour immersion in a properly mixed solution. This type of sterilization is much more detrimental to the condition of your surgical instruments than a regular 20-minute autoclaving cycle. Disinfection is achieved in 10 minutes in a standard cold sterilization process. Use your own discretion keeping in mind the differences of sterile and disinfectant check all manufacturers specifications and also do not use cold type sterilization on gold handles tungsten carbide instruments the Benzyl Amonium Chloride will soften and deteriorate the tungsten carbide inserts and weld points.