There are some basic points for the care and handling of instruments, which will extend the life of the instrument, eliminate staining or corrosion and lower the cost in use.
1. As soon as possible after consumption, instruments should be washed. Do not use a sponge basin as any residue from normal saline solution can cause corrosion to develop over a period of time.
2. After cleaning, instruments must be completely dried before being wrapped or stored, since any moisture remaining in the serrations or box lock can lead to rust or corrosion.
4. If using cold sterilization technique, change the solution according to directions asprolonged use will cause the solution to become corrosive.
5. Only use cleansers made specifically for cleaning surgical equipment; do not use caustic cleaners or any other type of cleaner.
6. Avoid using PH detergents or steel wool or scouring powder to clean instruments. When cleaning by hand, use a soft brush, natural detergent soap, and specialized instrument cleanser (rinse with demineralized or distilled water).
7. Examine the autoclave. Iron, sodium, calcium, magnesium or copper in your water can cause spotting, staining or corrosion to occur. If you live in a region with hard water, clean the autoclave's line deposits and, if you can, install a steam filter. It will remove most of dirt, rust and pipes Cale.
8. Do not leave instruments in the following solution for extended periods as corrosion can result: -
a) Aluminum, Barium, Calcium, Ferrous or stannous chloride solutions.
b) Phenol, Lysol or Iodine.
c) Dakin's Solution or Zephyring.
d) Any acid, Mercury or potassium solution.
9. If at all possible, avoid sterilizing stainless steel equipment with chrome-plated instruments since any crack in the chrome plate's surface would enable an electrolytic action to occur between the dissimilar metals, which might result in pitting and/or a rusty appearance.
10. If at all feasible, preheat the instruments in the autoclave before letting steam in to avoid having excessive condensation collect up on their surface.
11. After the sterilization cycles, don't open the autoclave too soon because this will cause too much condensation to form on the instruments' surface (break the clave to enable drying before opening entirely).
Your instruments should continue to be free of rust, areas, and stains if you adhere to the preceding guidelines and utilize lubricant milk and instrument cleansers.
