Surgical Instrument Care and Handling
RINSING Immediately after use, rinse surgical and dental instruments under warm or cool running water to remove all blood, body fluids and tissue. Dried soils may damage the surgical and dental instrument surface and make cleaning very difficult. Do not use hot water as this will coagulate proteinous substances. CLEANING TECHNIQUES Time, temperature, and agitation play important roles in the cleaning process. Time — the efficiency of cleaning chemicals is often time dependant Temperature — higher temperature cleaning solutions result in better cleaning Agitation — whether manual or ultrasonic, it is helpful in loosening the soil on the surface of the instrument Automatic Washer Sterilizers Follow manufacturer’s recommendations. Lubricate surgical and dental instruments after last rinse cycle and before sterilization cycle. Manual Cleaning 1. Use stiff plastic cleaning brushes. Do not use steel wool or wire brushes. 2. Use only neutral pH detergents. If not rinsed properly, low pH