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How to Clean Greasy Surgical Instruments

Cleaning and maintaining surgical instruments is necessary to prevent infection and for the equipment to properly function during surgical procedures. The instruments are kept especially sharp to deftly cut and maneuver during surgeries and therefore need to be handled with caution. Besides human fluids or tissue, outside factors such as dust and grease can also contaminate and damage surgical equipment.

Things You'll Need

Neutral pH 7 detergent
Nylon brush

Instructions

- 1
  Rinse the instruments immediately after use under warm running water. Do not use hot water. Rinse thoroughly to remove all liquids and tissue.
- 2
  Immediately after rinsing, use a stiff nylon brush to clean each instrument with a neutral pH 7 detergent. Keep smaller instruments separate from larger ones.
- 3
  Brush each instrument thoroughly until the surface is visibly clean.
- 4
  Check the condition of each instrument to make sure that that blades are sharp and all the hinged instruments interlock properly. If cleaning suction tubes, make sure the interior is clean.
- 5
  Rinse the instruments under warm running water until completely clean and free of detergent. Open and close scissors or any hinged instruments while rinsing.
- 6
  Leave the instruments to air dry in a clean area free of moisture.

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