Care and Handling of Surgical Instruments

Proper care and maintenance are essential to ensure the longevity and performance of your surgical instruments. Please follow the guidelines below to preserve the quality and functionality of your instruments.

1. Immediate Cleaning: After each use, it is vital to clean your instruments promptly. Residues left on the surface can lead to staining and compromise performance. Rinse the instruments immediately with warm or cool distilled water. Use cleaning solutions with a pH below 10 to avoid corrosion. Dry all instruments thoroughly to prevent water spots and minimize the risk of rust. For instruments such as forceps and scissors, ensure they are dried in an open position.

2. Proper Storage: Store your instruments in a dry, clean environment. Avoid damp areas that may promote corrosion. Instruments should be kept in a protective case to prevent damage or contamination.

3. Use Only for Intended Purpose: To maintain the integrity of the instruments, always use them for their specific intended purposes. Improper use can lead to irreparable damage or reduced functionality, resulting in delays and complications during procedures.

4. Avoid Harsh Solutions: Never place instruments in saline or other corrosive solutions. Extended exposure to saline can degrade the instrument’s surface, accelerating corrosion and shortening its lifespan.

5. Manual Cleaning: For manual cleaning, use a soft brush, preferably plastic or nylon, to gently scrub the instrument. Avoid using stiff or wire brushes, as they can damage delicate parts. Pay particular attention to joints, hinges, and other hard-to-reach areas, as these tend to accumulate residue.

6. Lubrication: Instruments with metal-to-metal action (e.g., scissors, needle holders) should be lubricated before autoclaving. Use only approved surgical instrument lubricants—never use WD-40, oils, or other industrial lubricants. Always sterilize these instruments in an open position. Do not lock the instruments during autoclaving, as this may prevent steam from reaching the metal surfaces and compromise sterilization.

7. Ultrasonic Cleaning: Ultrasonic cleaning is one of the most effective methods for removing dirt and debris. The cavitation process uses vibration to create bubbles in a cleaning solution, which implode and dislodge grime. For optimal results, expose instruments to ultrasonic cleaning for 5-10 minutes.

8. Single-Use and Floor Grade Instruments: For Single Use / Floor Grade instruments, do not re-use after they have been used once. These instruments are designed for single-use only and reusing them can compromise their effectiveness and safety. Ethylene Oxide (ETO) sterilization is recommended for any Single Use Instrument made of Stainless Steel in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.

9. Training and Education: Ensure that all personnel involved in handling, cleaning, and sterilizing instruments are properly trained. Regular education and adherence to best practices will ensure that your surgical instruments remain fully functional and sterile, contributing to patient safety and successful outcomes.