4. If using cold sterilization technique,
change the solution according to directions as
prolonged use will cause the solution to
become corrosive.
5. Do not use caustic cleaners or any other
cleaner except those specified for cleaning
surgical instruments.
6. Do not clean instruments with steel wool or
scouring powder, or use PH detergents. If
cleaning by hand, use a specific instrument
cleaner or a natural detergent soap and a soft
brush (rinse with demineralized or distilled
water).
7. Check your autoclave. Iron, sodium,
calcium, magnesium or copper in your water can
cause spotting, staining or corrosion to
occur. In hard water areas, clean the line
deposits from your autoclave, install a steam
filter if possible. It will remove most of
dirt, rust and pipe scale.
8. Make sure your wraps are rinsed
sufficiently ( 6 to 8 times ) by the laundry
to remove all chlorine bleach as any residue
can cause staining or corrosion during
autoclaving.
9. Do not leave instruments in the following
solutions for extended periods as corrosion
can result: -
a) Aluminum, Barium, Calcium, Ferrous or
stannous chloride solutions.
b) Phenol, Lysol or Lodine.
c) Dakin's Solution or Zephirin.
d) Any acid, Mercury or potassium solution.
10. Do not sterilize stainless steel
instruments with chrome plated instruments if
possible, as any break in the surface of the
chrome plate will allow an electrolytic action
develop between the dissimilar metals, causing
pitting and/or a rusty appearance to develop.
11. Preheat instruments in autoclave before
allowing steam to enter, if possible, to
prevent an excessive amount of condensation
forming on the surface of the instruments.
12. Don't open the autoclave too quickly after
the sterilization cycles as excessive
condensation will develop on the surface of
the instruments (crack the clave to allow
drying before opening fully).
If you follow the above rules and use
instrument cleaners and lubricant milk, your
instruments should remain rust, spot and stain
free. |