Surgical Instrument Sterilization Guidelines

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PPE

Required PPE

What	Where	How
McKesson Multi-Enzymatic Foaming Cleanser Spray	Exam room	Spray product on the instrument after use Hold sprayer 6 to 8 inches from the instrument when spraying and ensure the instrument is completely covered with the foaming cleanser Set aside in dirty area until ready to pre-soak

All soiled items must be transported in a puncture-resistant, locked container

What	How
Dilute solution	McKesson Multi-Enzymatic Cleanser diluted with water Mix ½ - 1 ounce of McKesson Multi-Enzymatic Cleanser per 1 gallon of tap water Water temperature 68°F - 122°F
Soak	Ensure that the instrument is fully covered by the cleaning solution Soak for at least 5 minutes Scrub instruments with brush
Rinse	Rinse with tap water
Dry	Completely dry before sterilization
Dispose of cleaning solution	Dispose cleaning solution down the drain when visibly contaminated or at the end of the day

What	How
Inspect	Inspect instruments for damage and place hinged instruments in the open position
Apply	Apply instrument lubrication
Package	Place in self-sealing pouches or autoclavable procedure trays Do not overlap instruments Lot label must be placed on outside

What

How

Inspect

Inspect instruments for damage and place hinged instruments in the open position

Apply

Apply instrument lubrication

Package

Place in self-sealing pouches or autoclavable procedure trays

Do not overlap instruments

Lot label must be placed on outside

Important: Hinged instruments must be open when placed in the package for sterilization

Brand	Instrument	Autoclave Setting	Sterilization Time (Minutes)	Sterilization Temperature	Drying Time (Minutes)
BR Surgical	Forceps: Tissue, Hemostatic, Kelly, Biopsy, Splinter, Tenaculum	A	4 minutes	270°F (132°C)	30 minutes
	Iodine Cup
	IUD Extractor Hook
	Kevorkian Curette
	Nail Splitter
	Needle Holder
	Scissors
	Sterilizer Tray
	Sims Uterine Sound
Argent McKesson	Tubular Cage Finger and Toe Applicator

Sterile instruments and supplies should be stored in covered or closed cabinets.
Sterile instruments and supplies should not be stored under sinks or in other places where they might become wet.

Instruments are to be inspected before opening and used to ensure that the packaging has not been compromised (i.e., opened, wet, torn, or punctured) during storage. If the packaging has become damaged in any way, the instruments must be reprocessed.
Wrapped packages of sterilized instruments do not have a formal expiration date or shelf life.
Instruments should remain sterile until an event causes the item to become contaminated.
All labels indicate “indefinite shelf life unless damaged, opened, or wet.”

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