Cleaning
Manual Cleaning
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Steam Sterilization / Autoclaving
Hot Bead Sterilization
Ethylene Oxide (ETO) Sterilization
Storage
Oxidation (Rust)
Cleaning
Surgical instruments should be handled with care and cleaned of all organic material immediately. Pay special attention to joints, hinges, and anywhere there is meta to metal contact.
- Use a neutral pH cleaning solution.
- Clean instruments in the open position.
- Use soft cloths, plastic brushes, or a water spray bottle.
- Oil instrument joints with a suitable surgical precision instrument oil.
- Open and close the instrument to distribute evenly, then wipe off any excess.
- Store instruments dry, with tip protectors, to prevent instrument contact and corrosion.
Manual Cleaning
- Wipe the instruments carefully to remove all blood and tissue.
- Rinse thoroughly with distilled water, paying close attention to joints and hinges.
- Air dry your instruments completely and use a can of compressed air to remove water from joints and hinges.
- Store in clean, dry environments with tip protectors.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Ultrasonic cleaning is the most eff ective method, using sound wave- induced bubbles to dislodge dirt even in the smallest crevices.
- NOT recommended for delicate or micro instruments.
- Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for cycle times; always run the full recommended cycle.
- Place instruments in the open position in the ultrasonic cleaner and ensure they are fully submerged.
- Do NOT allow instruments with sharp blades to touch other instruments.
- Do NOT mix dissimilar metals (stainless, copper, chrome plated) in the same cycle.
- After the cycle, rinse thoroughly to remove all cleaning solution.
- Dry instruments thoroughly with a clean towel.
- Apply instrument oil to hinges to prevent corrosion and maintain functionality.
Steam Sterilization / Autoclaving
The autoclave sterilizes instruments using pressurized steam generated from distilled water.
- Lubricate all instruments with metal to metal contact. Do NOT use WD-40 or industrial lubricants.
- Instruments may be autoclaved individually or in sets.
- Individual instruments: Disposable wraps or sterilization pouches are ideal. Ensure the pouch is large enough for the instrument to remain open (unlocked).
- Instrument sets: Open and unlock all instruments and place heavier ones on the bottom. Do NOT lock instruments during autoclaving, as this prevents steam penetration and can cause cracks in hinge areas.
- Do NOT overload the autoclave chamber as this may hinder steam penetration.
- Place a pH-neutral, residue-free towel on the bottom of the pan to absorb excess moisture.
- At the end of the cycle, slightly open the door and run the full drying cycle.
Hot Bead Sterilization
The Hot Bead Sterilizer offers fast, convenient tip and blade sterilization, without gases, flames, or chemicals.
- Bench top set up.
- Only 20 seconds of contact required to eliminate pathogens and microbial contaminants.
- Beads reach 240-270 °C (464-518 °F) within 15-20 minutes.
Ethylene Oxide (ETO) Sterilization
This method is recommended for instruments that will not tolerate high temperatures or moisture (e.g., catheters, cannulae, etc.). It is a process consisting of 4 primary variables: gas concentration, humidity, temperature and time. FST® sterilization wraps are compatible with ETO sterilization and can be used to safely wrap your instruments prior to this process.
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Storage
Surgical instruments should be properly stored in a clean and dry environment. It is highly recommended to use tip protectors and instrument cases to avoid possible damage to your instruments.
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Oxidation (Rust)
Most FST® instruments are made from medical-grade Stainless Steel under strict European standards. Despite its corrosion resistance, improper handling can cause rust, staining, or oxidation, as physical, thermal, or chemical stress can compromise the steel’s corrosion-resistant properties.
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