Procedure: Clean Tools

This page details how to clean surgical instruments.

Wear appropriate protective gloves, eyewear and clothing when handling biologically contaminated instruments.
Instruments manufactured from different metals or with special coating should be processed separately to avoid electrolytic action between the different metals.
Do not soak instruments in hot water, alcohol, disinfectants or antiseptics to avoid coagulation of mucus, blood or other body fluids. Do not exceed two hours soaking in any solution.
Do not use steel wool, wire brushes, pipe cleaners or abrasive detergents to remove soil as these will damage the instrument and lead to corrosion.

Equipment

Pre-cleaning solution (optional; I haven't found a good one yet)
Clean toothbrush or other soft-bristled brush
PH-neutral detergent
Bowl to submerge instruments in
Ultrasonic cleaner (optional, for more thorough cleaning. I have a Branson 1510R-MTH because I found it cheap on ebay)
Lubricant (if moving parts, e.g. forceps)
Distilled water (optional)
Soft, absorbent, non-linting towel

PRECLEANING: If instruments have just been used in a procedure and have biological soil, keep them moist and do not allow blood and/or bodily fluids to dry on the instruments. Use an appropriate pre-cleaning solution.
Fill ultrasonic cleaner with warm water and detergent. Turn heat on and set timer to 5-10 to allow it to degas.
RINSE: Rinse instruments thoroughly under warm water.
MANUAL CLEANING
- Fill bowl with warm water and detergent
- Using a small, clean brush, remove soil from all surfaces of instrument while fully immersed in solution
- Put items in ultrasonic tray once cleaned
ULTRASONIC CLEANING
- Open or disassemble instruments as appropriate.
- Put wire tray with instruments in cleaner, run for 10 minutes
RINSE AND DRY: Rinse all instruments thoroughly with distilled water to remove debris and cleansing agents. Make sure all internal ratchets are thoroughly rinsed. Use a soft, absorbent towel/cloth to thoroughly dry external surfaces. Compressed air may be used to aid the drying process.
LUBRICATE: Use a water soluble instrument lubricant that is compatible with the method of sterilization before instruments are sterilized.
- After cleaning instruments, apply lubricant to all joints and movable mating surfaces to keep them moving freely and aid in protecting surfaces from mineral deposits.

Now you can Proc > Sterilize tools if needed.