New Surgical Instruments

Most professionals will recognize that the new surgical instruments feel different. New instruments, especially scissors, feel flawless and ratcheted surgical instruments can feel stiff. These surgical instruments can feel harder and stiffer because as instruments age, they soften with use and processing. With proper care and use, these devices can last a lifetime. It’s important to realize, however that even the highest-grade surgical instruments will initially feel harder and will stain. New instruments tend to be more magnetic in the box locks, serrations and ratchets due to the manufacturing process transferring the magnetism. This magnetism gradually wears off and this is one of the reasons newer surgical instruments tend to stain more rapidly.

Enemies of Surgical Instruments:

-          Allowing blood to dry onto the instruments

-          Soaking instruments in water

-          Soaking instruments in saline

-          Any and all long-term soaking will damage surgical instruments

-          Sterilizing surgical instruments with ratchets closed

-          Improper use of the instrument

-          Rough handling/dumping of instruments

-          The use of improper cleaning solutions and lubricants

-          Allowing water to dry onto instruments

Post Operative Care of Surgical Instrument Sets

Never allow blood to dry onto surgical instruments. Immediately (within 10-20 minutes) after the case, separate the rings of the instruments and begin the decontamination process. To prevent blood from drying onto the surgical equipment, simply saturate a towel with tap water and lay over the bloody, contaminated instruments. The use of spray-on moisturizers is also a very effective way to prevent the blood from drying, along with the use of enzymatic solutions.