What are the procedures for preparing surgical instruments use?
Pre-cleaning:
1. Rinse the instruments: Rinse the instruments thoroughly under running water to remove any visible debris or soils.
2. Soak: If the instrument has dried soil or debris, soak them in an enzymatic detergent or cleaner for a few minutes to loosen the soil.
Cleaning:
1. Ultrasonic cleaning: Place the instruments in an ultrasonic cleaner filled with enzymatic cleaner or detergent and water mixture. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the duration of the cleaning cycle.
2. Manual cleaning: If ultrasonic cleaning is not available, clean the instruments manually using a soft brush and detergent solution. Pay close attention to crevices and intricate parts.
3. Rinse thoroughly: Rinse the instruments thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual detergent or cleaner.
Disinfection:
1. Chemical disinfection: Prepare a disinfectant solution according to the manufacturer's instructions and immerse the instruments in the solution for the recommended time.
2. Rinse: Rinse the instruments thoroughly with sterile water to remove any disinfectant residue.
Inspection and Maintenance:
1. Inspection: Inspect the instruments closely for any damage, wear and tear, rust or defects.
2. Sharpening: If the instruments require sharpening, send them to a qualified sharpening service or follow the manufacturer's guidelines for self-sharpening.
3. Lubrication: For instruments with movable parts, apply the appropriate lubricant as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure smooth functioning.
Sterilization:
1. Packaging: Wrap the clean and disinfected instruments in appropriate sterilization wraps or containers.
2. Sterilization method: Choose an appropriate sterilization method, such as heat sterilization (autoclave) or chemical vapor sterilization. Follow the recommended time and temperature guidelines.
3. Post-sterilization: Remove the instruments from the sterilizer and let them cool down before handling.
By following this step-by-step process, you can effectively prepare surgical instruments for use, ensuring the safety and sterility of the instruments during surgical procedures.