Instrument Care and Sterilization Instructions

General Instrument Care:

Our Instruments are manufactured from surgical grade stainless steel which offers superior durability and corrosion resistance, but they can be damaged if exposed to certain corrosive chemicals or conditions. The following chemicals should not be used to clean or disinfect our instruments:

Sodium Hypochlorite (bleach)
Tartaric Acid (stain/tartar remover)

Chemical Chlorides
Citric Acid

Iodine
Lysol

Mercury Salts
Phenol

Potassium Permanganate
Potassium Thiocyanate

Aqua Regia
Sulfuric Acid

Hydrochloric Acid
Scalers and Curettes should be sharpened after each use to ensure optimal calculus removal.
Hinged Instruments should be kept lubricated to prevent rust, corrosion, and stiff joints and to ensure smooth operation.
Instruments should be handled with care and thoroughly inspected for damage if dropped.

All instruments should be thoroughly cleaned after each use and before sterilization using one of the methods listed below:
- Ultrasonic Cleaning
- Automated Washing Equipment
- Manual scrubbing in warm soapy water
Corrosive cleaners and detergents should not be used due to risk of chemical reactions with the stainless steel.
Abrasive bristle (wire) brushes are not recommended as the surface finish of the instrument could be damaged.
Hinged instruments should be lubricated after cleaning and rinsing and before sterilization
All instruments must be thoroughly dried before sterilization

All instruments should be sterilized in a commercial sterilization pouch or instrument cassette according to the following parameters:
- Steam Autoclave cycle of 20 minutes @ 121°C.
- Unsaturated Chemical Vapor cycle of 20 minutes @ 132°C.
- Dry Heat Sterilization cycle of 90 minutes @ 160°C.
Hinged instruments must be sterilized in the ‘open’ position to ensure effective sterilization of the hinge area
Instruments should never be sterilized along with non-stainless steel metal items.