Instrument Care

Instrument Care: Basic Guidelines

Proper care and handling of instruments can significantly extend their lifespan, prevent staining or corrosion, and reduce operational costs.

Here are some basic guidelines:

1. Immediate Rinsing After Use: o Rinse instruments as soon as possible after use. o Do not use a sponge basin, as residues from normal saline can cause corrosion over time.

2. Thorough Drying After Cleaning: o Thoroughly dry instruments after cleaning and before wrapping or storing. o Residual moisture in box locks or serrations can lead to rust or corrosion.

3. Proper Handling During Cold Sterilization: o Do not leave instruments in a cold sterilization soak solution for extended periods, as these solutions can cause corrosion. o Rinse instruments with distilled or demineralized water after cold sterilization and dry them thoroughly. o Change the solution according to instructions, as it becomes corrosive with prolonged use.

4. Avoid Corrosive Cleaners: o Do not use corrosive cleaners or any cleaners other than those specified for cleaning surgical instruments

. 5. Gentle Cleaning: o Do not clean instruments with steel wool or abrasive powders and avoid pH cleaners. o For hand cleaning, use a special instrument cleaner or natural soap solution and a soft brush (rinse with demineralized or distilled water).

6. Autoclave Maintenance: o Iron, sodium, calcium, magnesium, or copper in the water can cause staining or corrosion. o In areas with hard water, clean the water deposits from your autoclave and install a steam filter if possible. This will remove most dirt, rust, and pipe deposits.

7. Avoid Certain Solutions: o Do not leave instruments in the following solutions for extended periods, as they can cause corrosion: ▪ Aluminum, barium, calcium, iron, or tin chloride solutions. ▪ Phenol, Lysol, or iodine solutions. ▪ Dakin's solution or Zephirin. ▪ Any acid, mercury, or potassium solution.

8. Separate Stainless Steel and Plated Instruments: o If possible, do not sterilize stainless steel instruments with plated instruments, as any break in the chrome plating can cause an electrolytic reaction between the different metals, leading to pitting and/or a rusty appearance.

9. Preheat Instruments in the Autoclave: o Preheat instruments in the autoclave before steam enters to prevent excessive condensation on the instrument surface.

10. Careful Autoclave Opening: o Do not open the autoclave too quickly after sterilization cycles, as this can cause excessive condensation on the instrument surface. Allow the claws to break before fully opening the autoclave, so they can dry.

Summary By following these care guidelines and using specific instrument cleaners and lubricants, your instruments should remain free of rust, stains, and corrosion, extending their lifespan and reducing operational costs.