STORAGE
Surgical instruments should be stored in sterilizing trays of proper size lined with soft silicone mats. Instruments should not touch each other. We recommend using protective tips made of soft silicone tubing of the proper size and thickness. Do not use rubber of plastic protective tips, which can melt during autoclaving and cause damage to instruments.

INSPECTION
Be sure to inspect every instrument at the end of your surgical day. Please conduct this inspection under a microscope or with magnification lens.

CLEANING
Manual Cleaning. Use a mild soap solution approved for surgical instruments with a soft brush or instrument wipe to clean instrument and remove stains. Never use abrasive powders or steel wool to remove stubborn stains-these can damage the super fine finished of an instrument and can actually help cause corrosion of stainless instrumentsUse distilled or demineralized water to rinse instruments thoroughly then carefully dry them with a hot air blower or lint-free cloth.

Ultrasonic Cleaning.
This is the best method of cleaning surgical instruments. Use only cleaning solutions approved for surgical instruments. Change the solution frequently; always use demineralized or distilled water. Heat water to 150 degrees Fahrenheit (62 degrees C) using an immersion heater, or in a separate stainless container, if your unit does not have an automatic built-in water heater. Be sure that you and your staff members are completely familiar with the manufacturer’s instructions, which came with your ultrasonic cleaner. Instruments should never touch each other in the ultrasonic cleaner. After removing instruments from the ultrasonic cleaner, rinse the instruments under running water first, and then rinse again in clean demineralized water. Dry with a lint-free cloth or hot air blower.

LUBRICATION
It is recommended to lubricate all moving parts after each cleaning. Use only silicone of Teflon lubricants, which can hold up under autoclaving. We recommend the use of Instrument Milk. Never use ordinary lubricants or cover up even the slightest corrosion with a lubricant.

STERILIZATION
Stainless Steel and Titanium instruments can be sterilized via steam autoclaving, chemical disinfectants, ethylene oxide gas, or even dry hot air. Gas and dry chemical sterilizations are the best methods for stainless steel instruments, but they take a lengthy time period to accomplish the desired result. The most practical method of sterilization is heat or steam, which require less time. However, these methods can be damaging to delicate stainless steel instruments. Use care when sterilizing your instruments, and, once again, be sure that you and your staff have read and fully understand the instructions supplied by the manufacturer of your particular sterilizer.