Reprocessing instruments poses significant risks to medical staff. Special precautions must be taken to ensure personal safety:
Only fully trained personnel must perform these procedures.
Protective clothing, gloves, and eyewear must be worn at all times.
Sharp instruments must be handled separately in baskets or cassettes.
Manufacturer user instructions and guidelines must be followed closely.
If in doubt, consult MOXIE for guidance.
Note: This ‘Instrument Care Guide’ offers general guidance. Local regulations or hospital protocols may differ, and MOXIE is not responsible for deviations.
Immediately after use, rinse instruments under warm (not hot) running water to remove organic materials such as body fluids and tissues.
Do not process dissimilar metals (e.g., stainless steel, copper, chrome-plated items) together.
Fully immerse instruments in an approved disinfectant before cleaning to protect staff from contamination.
Follow manufacturer guidelines for disinfectant use, then rinse again.
Caution:
Never expose stainless steel instruments to bleach, sodium hypochlorite, or chlorine-based disinfectants, as they cause discoloration and pitting.
Do not soak instruments for extended periods.
Never disinfect aluminum instruments in high alkaline solutions (pH >10).
All blood, dried body fluids, and tissue must be completely removed before sterilization. Use a neutral pH (7) detergent and follow these methods:
Recommended for cleaning instruments with hinges, locks, and moving parts.
Fully submerge instruments and change solution per manufacturer recommendations.
Do not clean for more than 10 minutes.
Avoid over-crowding instruments.
Handle sharps separately.
Keep joints open and ratchets unlocked.
Place heavier instruments at the bottom of the basket.
Rinse thoroughly after ultrasonic cleaning.
Do not clean aluminum items ultrasonically.
Use only validated, CE-marked equipment.
Follow manufacturer instructions.
Use only distilled water and low-foaming, non-ionizing detergents.
Keep joints open and ratchets unlocked.
Place heavier instruments at the bottom.
Ensure instruments with concave surfaces are placed face-down to prevent water pooling.
Lubricate instruments after the last rinse and before sterilization.
Do not process electro-medical instruments in washer/disinfectors.
If ultrasonic or automatic washers are unavailable:
Scrub instruments thoroughly using a dedicated sink or basin.
Use stiff nylon autoclavable cleaning brushes.
Avoid steel wool or wire brushes (except stainless steel ones).
Use CE-marked detergents with neutral pH (7).
Rinse thoroughly, ensuring no stains or tissue residues remain.
Repeat cleaning if necessary.
Dry instruments with a hand dryer or drying cabinet.
After cleaning, inspect each instrument using a magnifying glass or microscope. Check for:
Properly aligned forceps and ratchets.
Smoothly gliding scissor blades.
No gaps in hemostats and needle holders.
Clean suction tubes and tubal instruments.
Sharp, undamaged cutting instruments.
Properly functioning retractors.
No cracks, looseness, or dryness in joints.
No signs of breakage.
Note: Damaged instruments must be removed from service immediately. Return them to MOXIE for repair and restoration. Unauthorized repairs may void warranty claims.
Ensure instruments are fully cleaned, dried, and lubricated.
Use only a non-silicone, water-soluble lubricant.
Follow manufacturer instructions.
Recommended temperature: 134°C minimum.
Do not exceed manufacturer-stated load capacity.
Ensure instruments are dry before sterilization.
Avoid placing rusted instruments in an autoclave, as rust can transfer.
Not recommended, but if used:
Follow manufacturer instructions.
Recommended temperature: 160°C (do not exceed 180°C).
Do not process instruments with hollow handles.
Follow manufacturer instructions.
Avoid alkaline corrosive detergents.
Use only CE-marked products.
Do not use bleach (sodium hypochlorite).
Avoid cold disinfection for aluminum, electro-medical instruments, and those with tungsten carbide inserts.
Use only short-time cold sterilization methods.
Avoid multi-day disinfectant solutions as they accumulate organic residue, compromising effectiveness.
Definitions:
Sterile: No living organisms survive.
Disinfected: Some organisms may survive.
Always choose the proper sterilization method to ensure instruments are ready for safe use.
Instruments must be completely dry before storage.
Store in a dry environment; damp conditions cause corrosion.
Avoid exposure to seawater and other corrosive liquids.
By following these guidelines, medical professionals can ensure instrument safety, longevity, and effectiveness while maintaining high standards of patient care.