CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF YOUR INSTRUMENTS

 

It is important to follow strict procedures in the care and maintenance of your instruments.  To assure the longevity and corrosion resistance of your investment, follow one of these methods.

 

Dry Heat Sterilization:

1. Perform an ultrasonic cleaning using a general purpose cleaner.

2. Ensure joint is free of moisture by drying thoroughly with oil/water free compressed air or towel.

3. Place instruments on rack and sterilize following parameters given by sterilization unit manufacturer.

4. After sterilization cycle, lubricate with a silicone-based lubricant.

 

Chemclaving (unsaturated chemical vapor):

1. Perform an ultrasonic cleaning using a general purpose cleaner.

2. Ensure joint is free of moisture by drying thoroughly with oil/water free compressed air or towel.

3. Place instruments on chemclave tray with jaws open.  Place layer of paper toweling between instruments.

4. Sterilize following parameters given by sterilization unit manufacturer.

5. After sterilization cycle, depressurize the equipment and allow instruments to cool.

6. Remove instruments and ensure joint is free of moisture by towel drying.

7. Immediately lubricate with a silicone-based lubricant.

 

Autoclaving:

1. Perform an ultrasonic cleaning using a general purpose cleaner.

2. Ensure joint is free of moisture by drying thoroughly with oil/water free compressed air or towel.

3. Place instruments on autoclave tray with jaws open.

4. Sterilize following parameters given by sterilization unit manufacturer.

5. After sterilization cycle, allow instruments to cool.

6. Remove instruments and ensure joint is free of moisture by towel drying.

7. Immediately lubricate with a silicone-based lubricant.

 

Cold Sterilization (disinfection):

1. Perform an ultrasonic cleaning using a general purpose cleaner.

2. Ensure joint is free of moisture by drying thoroughly with oil/water free compressed air or towel.

3. Immerse instruments in a 2% glutaraldehyde sterilization solution.

4. Remove instruments from the sterilizing solution, rinse in water, and towel dry to ensure joint is free of moisture.

5. Immediately lubricate with a silicone-based lubricant.