Protect Instruments

The most effective method of dealing with instrument problems is to prevent them from occurring. The use of “treated water”, careful preliminary cleaning, the use of neutralized pH solutions, adherence to manufacturer’s instructions, and visual inspection, will help to keep instruments performing accurately and cosmetically free of troublesome stains. It is important to act quickly should a problem arise. Delay will compound the problem and irreparable harm may result. Certain compounds are highly corrosive to stainless steel and will cause serious damage despite the passivated protective surface. If instruments are inadvertently exposed to any of the following substances, they should be rinsed immediately with copious amounts of water.

Instruments should never be exposed to

Aqua regia, Iodine, Ferric chloride, Sulfuric acid, Hydrochloric acid
The following substances should be avoided whenever possible
Aluminum chloride, Mercury chloride, Barium chloride, Potassium permanganate, Bichloride of mercury, Potassium thiocyanate, Calcium chloride, Saline Carbolic acid, Sodium hypochlorite, Chlorinated lime, Stannous chloride, Dakin’s solution

o Any kind of corrosion will lead to rust on steel. Because rust particles can be transferred from one instrument to another, corroding instruments should be removed from service to prevent the formation of rust on other instruments.
o Instruments must be sterilized in the open position or disassembled as appropriate. Steam will only sterilize the surface it can directly touch.
o Every effort should be made to protect sharp cutting edges and fine working tips during all maintenance procedures. Avoid loading retractors and other heavy items on top of delicate and hollow instruments.

Diagnosing Spots and Stains

It is common for instruments to become stained or spotted despite the best efforts of the manufacturers and the hospital staff. In nearly all cases these problems are the result of minerals deposited upon the surfaces of the instruments, as well as insufficient cleaning. Adhering to proper technique during cleaning and sterilizing procedures will prevent most staining occurrences. However, they will sometimes arise very suddenly and will not disappear on their own. The following identifies some of the various instrument-related problems hospitals may encounter.

Brown Stains

Detergents containing polyphosphates may dissolve copper elements in the sterilizer. This results in copper being deposited on the instruments by an electrolytic reaction. The hospital may try a different detergent or check the quantities used. Usually a dull blue or brown stain is simply a build-up of oxidation on the surface. This film is harmless and will actually protect the instrument from serious corrosion.

Blue Stains

Blue stains are usually the result of cold sterilization techniques. It is important to prepare the solution according to exact proportions
and to change the solution when recommended. Serious corrosion may occur if the solution is used beyond the manufacturer’s specified time limit. The use of distilled water and a rust inhibitor in the solution will help retard discoloration.

Black Stains

Black stains may be the result of contact with ammonia. Many cleaning compounds contain ammonia and it will remain on the instruments unless they are well rinsed.

Light or Dark Spots

Spots are often the result of condensation pooling and then drying on flat and concave instrument surfaces. The mineral content of the water remains on the instrument. Using “treated water” as the FINAL rinse will help to remove the minerals found in water that can cause these residual spots. It is also important to follow the sterilizer manufacturer’s instructions for preparing instrument sets for sterilization. Standing instruments that have flat and concave surfaces “on edge” will enable the condensate to drain off and more readily dry, usually without spotting. An additional cause of spotting can be traced to the instrument wraps. During laundering procedures, it is vital that detergents are thoroughly rinsed out, and that the final rinse is prepared so that the wraps have a pH between 6.8 and 7.0. In addition, healthcare professionals should check the cleanliness of the sterilizer chamber. Steam can lift soil and poorly rinsed chamber cleaning detergents from the chamber walls and deposit them onto instruments and wrappers.

Rust Deposits

It is very unlikely for surgical grade steel to rust. What appears to be rust is often residual organic matter in box locks or mineral deposits which have been baked onto the surface of the instrument. In localities where the water has a high iron content, for example, an iron deposit will result in a metallic film on the instrument. This may be prevented with the use of “treated water” for the FINAL rinse during cleaning procedures. The most effective method of dealing with instrument problems is to prevent them from occurring. The use of “treated water”, careful preliminary cleaning, using neutralized pH solutions, following manufacturer’s instructions, and visual inspection, will help to keep instruments performing accurately and cosmetically free of troublesome stains. It is important to act quickly should a problem arise. Delay will compound the problem and irreparable harm may result.

Product Information Discloser

Towne exclude all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including but not limited to, any Impied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Towne shall not be Liable for any incidental or consequential loss, damage, or expense, directly or indirectly arising From use of this product. Towne does not assume nor authorize any person to assume for them to any other or additional liability or responsibility in connection with these products

Returned Goods Policy

Products must be returned in unopened packages (postage prepaid) with manufacturer’s seal intact to be accepted for replacement
or credit unless returned due to a complaint of product defect. Determination of a product defect will be made by TOWNE. Products will not be accepted for replacement if they have been possession of the customer for more than 30 days.