Cleaning of Surgical Instruments
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Health Fitness -> subcategory Medicine.
Effective Cleaning of Surgical Instruments
Summary
Surgical instruments must be cleaned immediately after use to prevent blood and debris from drying, which complicates cleaning and encourages corrosion.Key Points
- Immediate cleaning of surgical instruments- Avoid drying of blood and debris
- Proper detergent selection
- Benefits of ultrasonic cleaning
Article
Cleaning surgical instruments promptly after use is crucial. Allowing blood and debris to dry makes cleaning difficult and increases the risk of corrosion. It's essential to clean all instruments from a procedure, even if they weren't used.
Initial Steps
After the procedure, rinse instruments in demineralized, distilled water to remove excess blood and debris. Avoid using abrasive cleaning pads, as they can scratch the instruments, leaving grooves where dirt and water deposits collect. This not only promotes corrosion but also removes the protective passivation layer on the instruments.Detergent Selection
Choose a neutral pH detergent, ideally between 7.0 and 8.5, to minimize adverse effects on instruments. Opt for a low-sudsing, free-rinsing detergent that serves as an effective wetting agent, suitable for washer sterilizers or ultrasonic cleaners. High-sudsing detergents can leave residues that may cause spotting and staining.A previous issue with spotting at one of our clinics was traced back to improper scrubbing, which removed the passivation film, highlighting the importance of correct cleaning methods.
Cleaning Methods
Washer sterilizers are effective for cleaning and sterilizing, but they might not be feasible for all facilities due to space constraints. An alternative is an ultrasonic cleaner, which efficiently cleans instruments in just five minutes. The high-frequency water penetrates all crevices, making it especially effective for instruments like hemostats. While ultrasonic cleaning removes up to 90% of debris, it doesn't replace the need for sterilization.Lubrication
After cleaning, lubricate instruments with an approved surgical lubricant to protect them during sterilization and storage. The lubricant should be water-soluble and antimicrobial. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to prepare the lubrication bath. After cleaning, immerse instruments in the bath for at least 30 seconds and allow them to drain without rinsing. The lubrication film protects instruments throughout sterilization and storage.Stay tuned for more articles on effective sterilization practices.
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