Instrument Care & Sterilisation
Proper cleaning, maintenance and sterilisation are essential for maintaining surgical instruments and helping to maximise their service life. Instruments should always be handled according to the manufacturer's instructions, applicable healthcare regulations and the validated procedures of the facility.
1. Immediately After Use
Do not allow blood, tissue or other contaminants to dry on the instrument whenever possible.
After use:
- Remove gross contamination promptly.
- Keep instruments moist until cleaning.
- Separate instruments according to your facility's procedures.
- Open hinged and ratcheted instruments where appropriate.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to aggressive chemicals.
Dried biological material can be more difficult to remove and may affect subsequent cleaning.
2. Cleaning
Instruments should be thoroughly cleaned before sterilisation.
Depending on the instrument and your validated process, cleaning may involve:
- Manual cleaning
- Ultrasonic cleaning
- Automated washer-disinfector systems
Use cleaning agents that are suitable for surgical instruments and follow the chemical manufacturer's instructions for concentration, temperature and exposure time.
Avoid abrasive cleaners and unsuitable chemicals that may damage the instrument surface.
3. Ultrasonic Cleaning
When using an ultrasonic cleaner:
- Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
- Use an appropriate instrument cleaning solution.
- Do not overload the tank.
- Open hinged instruments where appropriate.
- Ensure instruments are positioned correctly.
- Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
- Not every instrument is suitable for every ultrasonic cleaning process. Always check the instrument manufacturer's recommendations.
4. Rinsing and Drying
After cleaning, instruments should be thoroughly rinsed and completely dried.
Residual chemicals, moisture and contaminants can contribute to staining, corrosion or deterioration.
Use appropriate water quality and drying procedures according to your facility's validated process.
5. Inspection
Before sterilisation and before reuse, inspect each instrument for:
- Corrosion or staining
- Cracks or damage
- Misalignment
- Loose joints
- Damaged tips
- Dull cutting edges
- Smooth operation
Damaged or defective instruments should be removed from service and assessed by a qualified person.
6. Lubrication
Hinged and moving instruments may require appropriate instrument lubricant following cleaning.
Only use a lubricant that is specifically suitable for surgical instruments and compatible with the intended sterilisation process.
Do not use household oils or unsuitable lubricants.
7. Sterilisation
Sterilisation must be carried out using a validated process appropriate for the instrument, packaging system and intended clinical application.
Follow:
- The instrument manufacturer's instructions
- Steriliser manufacturer's instructions
- Facility protocols
- Applicable local regulations and standards
Do not assume that every instrument or material is compatible with every sterilisation method.
8. Storage
After sterilisation, instruments should be stored in a clean, dry environment and protected from contamination and damage.
Avoid unnecessary handling of sterile instruments before use.
Important
The information on this page is general guidance and does not replace the manufacturer's validated instructions for use, healthcare facility protocols or applicable regulatory requirements.
For specific instruments, always follow the supplied instructions and the validated procedures of your facility.
Need Instrument Support?
For information about Surgix Instruments products, materials, specifications or care requirements, contact our team.