Instrument Care & Maintenance Guide
Surgical Instrument Care & Maintenance Guide
Proper care and maintenance will extend the life of your surgical instruments and ensure optimal performance. Follow these guidelines to protect your investment.
Cleaning After Use
- Immediate Pre-Cleaning — Rinse instruments in cold water immediately after use to prevent blood and tissue from drying. Never use hot water at this stage — it coagulates proteins and makes cleaning harder.
- Ultrasonic Cleaning — Place instruments in an ultrasonic cleaner with enzymatic detergent for 5-10 minutes. This is the most effective method for removing debris from joints, serrations, and hard-to-reach areas.
- Manual Cleaning — If ultrasonic cleaning is unavailable, use a soft nylon brush with mild enzymatic detergent and warm water. Brush in the direction of the grain. Never use steel wool or abrasive pads.
- Rinse — Thoroughly rinse with distilled or deionized water to remove all detergent residue.
- Dry — Immediately dry instruments with a soft, lint-free cloth. Do not air-dry, as water spots can lead to corrosion.
Sterilization
Autoclave (Steam Sterilization) — Recommended
- Gravity cycle: 132°C (270°F) for 15 minutes
- Pre-vacuum cycle: 132°C (270°F) for 4 minutes
- Always sterilize instruments in the open (unlocked) position
- Do not overload the autoclave — allow steam to circulate
Chemical Sterilization
- Use only hospital-grade chemical sterilants approved for surgical instruments
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended concentration and soak time
- Rinse thoroughly with sterile water after chemical sterilization
Do NOT
- Use bleach or chlorine-based solutions — they cause pitting and corrosion
- Soak instruments for extended periods — prolonged exposure to any solution can damage surfaces
- Mix instruments made of different metals in the same solution
Lubrication
- Apply surgical instrument lubricant (instrument milk) after cleaning and before sterilization
- Focus on box joints, screw joints, and ratchet mechanisms
- Use only water-soluble, medical-grade lubricants
- Do not use WD-40, oil, or silicone sprays
Inspection
Regularly inspect instruments for:
- Alignment — Forceps and hemostats tips should meet perfectly when closed
- Sharpness — Scissors should cut cleanly through wet chamois or tissue paper
- Ratchets — Should engage and disengage smoothly at each position
- Joints — Should move smoothly without excessive play or stiffness
- Corrosion — Check for pitting, rust spots, or discoloration
Storage
- Store instruments in a dry, well-ventilated area
- Keep instruments in the open (unlocked) position to relieve stress on joints and springs
- Use instrument trays or rolls — do not pile instruments on top of each other
- Avoid storing in cardboard, which can absorb moisture
- Separate tungsten carbide (gold handle) instruments from standard instruments
Common Issues & Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Stiff joints | Lack of lubrication or debris buildup | Clean thoroughly, apply instrument lubricant |
| Rust spots | Improper cleaning, exposure to chlorides | Light rust: use instrument rust remover. Heavy rust: send for refurbishment |
| Dull scissors | Normal wear | Professional re-sharpening recommended |
| Misaligned tips | Dropping or improper handling | Return to manufacturer for realignment |
| Staining/discoloration | Chemical exposure or water quality | Use distilled water for rinsing, avoid harsh chemicals |
Instrument Sharpening & Refurbishment
TAHMCO offers professional re-sharpening and refurbishment services. Contact us at support@tahmco.com for scissor re-sharpening, forceps tip realignment, joint replacement, surface re-finishing, and full instrument refurbishment.