Sklar
SKLAR Stainless Steel Surgical Instruments Recommended Care and Cleaning Instructions
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GUIDELINES SKLAR STAINLESS STEEL SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS RECOMMENDED CARE & CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS CAUTION: The following instructions are for all reusable Sklar stainless steel surgical instruments. Read instructions prior to use. Improper operation and care or use for purposes other than that intended can lead to premature wearing out of the surgical instruments. Always process new instruments prior to initial use. 1. PRE-TREATMENT General
Blood and body fluids can cause pitting on instruments and if left to dry, can be difficult to remove. In order to achieve successful decontamination, disinfection and sterilization, always wipe or rinse instruments immediately after use. If rinsing is not immediately available, pre-treat instruments with a neutral pH/enzymatic solution at point of service.
2. RINSING General
Immediately after surgery, remove organic material by rinsing soiled instruments under cold running water. Never process Steel, Magnesium, Aluminum or Zinc based materials with Stainless Steel. Always wear protective apparel as a standard precaution. Refer to OSHA and AORN standards for recommended precautions.
3. CLEANING General
Transport instruments to decontamination processing/cleaning area. Always keep soiled instruments covered during transport to prevent exposure to blood borne pathogens or other potentially infectious organisms. Before beginning the cleaning process, ensure that instruments have been thoroughly rinsed with copious amounts of cool running water. Separate instruments with dissimilar metals. Several methods of cleaning are available. Improper cleaning methods can result in damage to instruments or equipment and limit the warranty. See also AAMI TIR12.
Soak
An enzymatic cleaning bath or neutral pH detergent effectively breaks down organic material from instruments when fully submerged for 10 minutes. Take care to prevent sharp tips (scissors, knives, osteotomes, etc.) from touching. Do not mix dissimilar metals. Thoroughly rinse instruments with cool running tap water (use distilled or demineralized water if possible) to remove solution(s). Change solutions as directed.
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GUIDELINES 02.2020
MKF970.04 Rev.01
GUIDELINES
Ultrasonic Cleaning
Mechanical cleaning of surgical instruments is the preferred cleaning method as it efficiently removes soil and provides consistent washing and rinsing parameters. 1. Fully submerge all instruments in an open position to effectively clean hinges, box locks and other moving parts. Prevent sharp tips (scissors, knives, osteotomes, etc.) from touching to avoid scratching. Do not mix dissimilar metals. Use distilled or demineralized water if possible. 2. Follow ultrasonic cleaner manufacturer’s operating instructions. 3. Rinse instruments with water to remove cleaning solution(s).
4. Always lubricate instruments prior to sterilization. Regular lubrication is essential to ensure the life of instruments. Caution: Processing needle holders and forceps with the ratchet in a closed position may crack box locks and hinges. Automatic Washer Sterilizer
Mechanical cleaning of surgical instruments is the preferred cleaning method as it efficiently removes soil and provides consistent washing and rinsing parameters. Follow manufacturer’s operating instructions. Ensure instruments are lubricated after the final rinse cycle and before sterilization.
Manual Cleaning
Always wash instruments in a manner that provides proper decontamination. 1. Mix a neutral pH detergent / enzymatic solution with luke-warm water following the manufacturer’s mixing instructions and immerse instruments if possible. Highly acidic or highly alkaline pH detergents are not recommended for use on Sklar instruments. 2. Use a soft nylon brush to manually scrub instruments, concentrating on hinged areas, crevices and other difficult to clean locations. Limit use of stainless steel brushes to serrated areas, bone files or burs. 3. Brush delicate instruments carefully, separating them from general instruments whenever possible. 4. Prevent scratching by not allowing sharp tips (scissors, knives, osteotomes, etc.) from touching. 5. Visibly check instruments to ensure surfaces are clean and free from damage, stains and bioburden. 6. Check instruments for proper function and condition: smooth blade closure and opening, proper jaw alignment, working hinges, and proper locking ratchets.
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GUIDELINES 02.2020
MKF970.04 Rev.01
GUIDELINES
Manual Cleaning
7.
Thoroughly rinse instruments using running water (distilled or demineralized water is recommended), paying close attention to hinged areas, box locks and moving parts to ensure they are rinsed thoroughly and no debris remains.
8. If to be stored, use a clean, lint-free cloth to dry instruments. 9. Lubricate instruments prior to packaging or sterilization. 10. Always store in a clean, dry environment 4. STERILIZATION General
All blood, body fluids and tissue should be completely removed from instruments prior to sterilization. Separate dissimilar metals prior to sterilization.
Lubrication
Lubrication is key to preserving the proper function of your instruments. Lubricate all hinged instruments that have metal-to-metal contact at the screw or box lock. A non-silicone, water-soluble lubricant is recommended. Do not rinse. Do not use industrial oils or lubricants.
Autoclaving
1. Process instruments individually or in sets. 2. Protect sharp tips. Place heavy instruments on the bottom of sets. 3. Always process all instruments in the open position. Instruments locked during sterilization can develop cracked hinges or other problems resulting from heat expansion. 4. Autoclave instruments according to AAMI ST79 standards. Sklar stainless steel instruments have been validated for the following steam sterilization cycles (wrapped configuration): Pre-Vacuum Steam, 4min. @ 132°C/270°F with 20 min. Dry Time. Gravity Displacement Steam, 15 min. @ 132°C/270°F with 15- 45 min. Dry Time.
Note: Make sure autoclave chambers are cleaned regularly and as recommended by the manufacturer. Chemical/ Cold Sterilization
Fully immerse clean, dry instruments in solution. Most chemical/cold sterilization solutions render instruments sterile after a minimum of 10 hours. Closely follow sterilant manufacturer’s instructions. Caution: Prolonged chemical action can be detrimental to instruments. Chemical / cold sterilization solutions are not recommended for use on Tungsten Carbide instruments.
Note: It is the responsibility of the reprocessor to ensure that the reprocessing, as actually performed using equipment, materials and personnel in the reprocessing facility, achieves the desired result. This requires validation and routine monitoring of the process. Likewise any deviation by the user from the instructions provided must be properly evaluated for effectiveness and potential adverse consequences.
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GUIDELINES 02.2020
MKF970.04 Rev.01