The Revision Guide for Student Nurses (Part I)
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Care & Handling Of Surgical Instruments - Key Notes

  1. Ensure that you remove any jewellery and wear a protective apron and gloves. Some people may be sensitive to the detergent contained within instrument cleaning products and it is therefore sensible to protect yourself.
  2. New instruments are frequently coated in a fine layer of metallic dust and lubricant, and should therefore be washed and dried thoroughly prior to sterilisation.
  3. Always rinse instruments as soon as possible in order to remove blood, serous fluid and saline. It is easier to remove fresh dirt than ingrained dirt and more hygienic. Use tepid water rather than very hot or very cold water.
  4. When cleaning surgical instruments, never use caustic cleaners or any other cleaner other than those specified as suitable for the cleaning of surgical instruments. Avoid detergents with a high pH as these may cause damage.
  5. When hand cleaning instruments, use a soft brush and never steel wool or any other abrasive method.
  6. Cold sterilising solutions are not ideal, but if their use is indicated bear in mind that prolonged soaking may cause corrosion. Always change the solution regularly and use according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  7. Always thoroughly dry instruments following washing since moisture may cause corrosion.
  8. When autoclaving, use distilled or demineralised water since iron, sodium, calcium, magnesium or copper in the water may cause spotting, staining or corrosion. Traces of chlorine bleach may also cause staining or corrosion during autoclaving.
  9. Autoclave stainless steel instruments separately to chrome plated instruments since any break in the surface of the chrome plate will allow an electrolytic action to develop between the dissimilar metals causing pitting and/or a rusty appearance.
  10. Following sterilisation, do not open the autoclave too quickly otherwise excessive condensation will develop on the surface of the instruments.

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