The Care
and Cleaning of Sklar Surgical Stainless Steel Instruments
1.) Immediately after procedure at point of service, wipe or rinse instruments
free of any obvious bio-burden. Do not allow blood and / or fluids to dry on surface.
2.) Immediately after Step 1, disinfect instruments with an intermediate level
disinfectant. The disinfectant should contain rust inhibitors and be specifically
designed for use on stainless steel instruments. We recommend immersing instruments
in
Sklar
Soak™ for at least 3 minutes. (After 3 minutes the instruments are considered
decontaminated and are then safe to handle and / or transport.)
Rinse with distilled or de-mineralized water.
3.) After disinfection, inspect stainless steel instruments for visual bio-burden.
If necessary, pre-clean stainless steel instruments using a pH neutral enzymatic
cleaner designed specifically for use on stainless steel instruments. Sklar recommends
Sklar
Enzymatic™, available in a concentrated liquid gallon, a double concentrated
.5 oz packet and a
foaming
enzymatic spray.
4.) Thoroughly clean stainless steel instruments either manually with soft nylon
brush, or in ultrasonic cleaner or washer / disinfector with low or neutral pH
detergent, concentrating on any hinges, openings, and box locks. We recommend
Sklar
Kleen™ which is available in a liquid, low foaming liquid or powder
foam.
Rinse with distilled or de-mineralized water.
5.) Lubricare stainless steel instruments thoroughly, in an open position. We
recommend using
Sklar
Instru-Guard™ Lubricant. Either spray
Sklar
Lube™ on the instruments, concentrating on moving parts, or dip instruments
in Sklar Lube as a milk bath. Because Sklar Lube contains a rust inhibitor, use
Sklar Lube on all stainless steel instruments, including those with moving parts.
Allow excess lubricant to run off instruments or pat dry, but do not rinse.
Wrap stainless steel instruments or insert into pouches in open position, applying
tip protectors where necessary. Utilize steam sterilization (autoclave) to achieve
terminal sterilization.
Note: Follow the above procedures for all new stainless steel instruments, prior
to initial sterilization and use.
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