Re: Practice Policy, cleaning and sterilizing instruments

NJ_VN — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 22:01:14 GMT

Hi,

In our place, we scrub the instruments with washing up liquid, then into a ultrasonic cleaner with a disinfectant. Then air dry, packed into blue roll (which when opens functions as a table drape) then into disposable autoclave pouches and into the autoclave works well for us! x

Re: Practice Policy, cleaning and sterilizing instruments

AlishaSVN — Sun, 10 Feb 2013 20:52:43 GMT

Hi there,

I am still a student VN, (however qualifying in July, woop!). I have studied cleaning protocols a lot during my training and this is the general rules:

- Run the instruments under cold water to remove any blood or debris before it hardens.

- Soak in an instrument cleaning solution for 10-15 minutes to further remove any debris (there are loads of different ones on the market and every practice will use different solutions)

- Scrub the instruments with a brush, ensuring that all areas are clean (especially within the nodules on artery forceps!)

- Rinse again with water to remove the cleaning solution / dirt.

- Leave to air dry

- Use a paper towel to ensure the instruments are all completely dry before packaging for sterilisation. During this time you should check for any damage or stiffness and send for repair / oil / tighten as necessary.

- Standard kits should be sterilised at 132 degrees, some instruments require 121 degree setting if they are not stainless steel.

- Instruments should always be packed open; never close them. This makes it more difficult for the surgeon when going to use the kits and is also more likely to cause them to stiffen.

I have also seen electronic cleaners being used, this is when you place the instruments into the cleaner; the water gets extremely hot and bubbles; this helps remove debris.

Hope this helps.