Stainless Steel Hand Instruments
Although stainless steel is very resistant to corrosion, it is important that proper hand instrument care procedures are followed throughout the sterilization process. Proper hand instrument care ultimately prolongs the life of the product.
- Separate stainless steel instruments from carbon steel, anodized aluminum, titanium nitride instruments and any carbide products during the sterilization process. This means that instruments of different composition should be handled separately during the entire process including ultrasonic cleaning, dishwasher use, bagging or wrapping of instruments and cassette use. Combining instruments can cause cross-corrosion on the stainless steel instruments.
- It is recommended that instruments be thoroughly rinsed and completely dry before wrapping or placing in a sterilization pouch. Failure to following these strict instrument care procedures may result in pitting, spotting and discoloration of instruments.
- Stainless steel will also discolor and corrode if exposed to high concentrations of the following chemicals:
- Sodium Hypochlorite (bleach)
- Stain and Tartar remover
- Aluminum Chloride
- Barium Chloride
- Bichloride of Mercury
- Calcium Chloride
- Carbolic Acid
- Chlorinated Lime
- Citric Acid
- Ferrous Chloride
- Lysol®
- Mercury Salts
- Phenol
- Stannous Chloride
- Hydrochloric Acid
- Iodine
Special handling must be taken to prolong the life of anodized aluminum hand instruments.
- Do not clean in an ultrasonic cleaning device.
- Cleaning or cold sterilization solutions should be checked for aluminum safety.
- Sterilize in autoclave, chemclave, or dry heat under 350 degrees.
- Do not sterilize with stainless steel instruments-can cause a chemical reaction
Special handling must be taken to prolong the life of titanium nitride hand instruments.
- Do not clean in an ultrasonic cleaning device.
- Sterilize in autoclave, chemclave, or dry heat under 350 degrees.
- All hinged instruments (forceps, rongeurs, pliers, hemostats) should be cleaned thoroughly before sterilization.
- Dry thoroughly in open position to remove all water and chemicals.
- Do not allow hinged instruments to remain in water or steam moisture. This can cause discoloration, spotting and effect instrument performance.
- Lubricant sprays and oils will prevent rust, corrosion and stiff joints. Routine lubrication ensures continued smooth performance.
- Tips may be processed in tip holder provided with most BUSA/NSK ultrasonic scaler units.
- Tips may be placed in mild ultrasonic solution.
- Rinse tips thoroughly.
- Dry completely.
- Place in sterilization pouch or cassette separately or with instruments of the same composition.
- Process at 275°F or 135°C for 15 minutes.
Brasseler USA does not manufacture carbon steel instruments, but provides the following information regarding these products.
- Carbon steel instruments must be processed separately from stainless steel, anodized aluminum, titanium nitride and carbide products.
- Separate carbon steel instruments from all other products during the entire process of ultrasonic cleaning, dishwasher processing, bagging or wrapping of instrument cassettes for sterilization. Combining of instruments will cause cross-corrosion on the stainless steel instruments.
- Thorough drying of instruments prior to sterilization will help prevent rust and corrosion.
- Manufacturers of carbon steel instruments recommend using a protective rust inhibitor before sterilizing.
Problems:
- Rust
Cause: Corrosion spreads from carbon steel to stainless steel instruments
- Spotting
Causes: Ultrasonic cleaning solution not adequately rinsed off
Inadequate drying
Ultrasonic cleaning solution needs changing.
Sterilization device needs cleaning
- Pitting
Causes: Chemical reaction
Chemicals on list not recommended for stainless steel, anodized aluminum,
titanium nitride, forceps, etc. have been used.
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