STERILE
PROCESSING UNIVERSITY
"Best
Practices for Preparation of Surgical Instrumentation"
Copyright © 2011 - Sterile Processing
University, LLC - All Rights Reserved.
This in-service may not be copied or used without permission of the
author.
**Updated 9.26.11**
BACKGROUND
Surgical instruments must be thoroughly cleaned, properly assembled,
carefully inspected and tested, correctly packaged and effectively sterilized
to ensure patient safety and positive patient outcomes.
The outcome of a surgical procedure can be affected if the instruments
are not present or functioning as intended. An Operating Room's efficiency
is adversely affected when there are issues associated with surgical
instruments:
Room turnover time can be delayed if an instrument
a) or component is missing
b) does not function as intended (e.g. scissors do not cut)
c) is not clean
d) is damaged/broken (e.g. tips do not approximate on finger forceps).
All of the above scenarios would require the circulating nurse to leave
the OR room to obtain replacements (which may not be readily available!).
Sometimes, there are no back-up instruments and a substitute instrument
is used. The substitute may alter the surgery outcome or add time to
the case. This may cause the patient to be exposed to anesthesia for
a longer period of time than necessary. Problems of this nature are
unacceptable to the surgeon, the surgical team and the patient. Moreover,
in a majority of the instances, these problems are preventable!
To reduce instances of surgical instrument problems, this in-service will
describe the best practices for preparation of surgical instruments.
WHERE IT STARTS
Before any device or surgical instrument is ordered, from a manufacturer,
obtain the written instructions for processing. This information should
include detailed information on disassembly, cleaning (including equipment
and detergents to be used), testing, packaging and sterilization methodologies.
Verify that your facility has the recommended equipment
to clean and sterilize the instruments and the recommended chemicals
for cleaning/disinfection. If not, you should not purchase the devices
or get approval to purchase the needed equipment. For example, the manufacturer
of an endoscopic forceps recommends ultrasonic cleaning but your facility
does not have an ultrasonic cleaner. You would be modifying the device
manufacturer's instructions for cleaning if you did not use an ultrasonic
cleaner! The manufacturer tested and validated the cleaning process
using ultrasonics. Non-compliance could result in an unclean instrument
and may adversely affect the performance and longevity of the device.
DECONTAMINATION
The detergents used in cleaning are important to remove visible and
invisible soil (microorganisms) and to prepare the device for disinfection
or sterilization. The recommended detergents should be used and
the end user should carefully follow the detergent manufacturer's instructions
for measuring the detergents as well as the recommended water temperature.
This is especially critical with enzymatic detergents which can be inactivated
in temperatures above 140oF. The effectiveness of the cleaning
process can be adversely affected when detergents are not used properly.
Proper cleaning implements are also essential - especially when cleaning
small lumens (channels). It is important to clean all surfaces of the
instrument/device. To do this, some disassembly may be required. Follow
the device manufacturer's instructions for disassembly and take care
to keep all components together to avoid loss. You should always use the correct size brush (correct length and diameter – especially for cleaning lumens). Reusable cleaning brushes should be cleaned and disinfected or sterilized (if recommended) at least each shift. The condition of the brush bristles should be checked regularly. Any brushes with bent, missing or distorted bristles should not be used.
 Non-immersible Power Equipment |
 The brush on the left and the center are NOT acceptable for use |
Many devices require manual cleaning (delicate items),
some are not immersible (power equipment). If cleaning by hand, always
wash the device below the water level to prevent aerosolization of bacteria.
If using a mechanical washer, do not overload the washer. Make sure
all items have direct exposure to the water/detergent. Do not place
bowls/basins over instruments to keep a set together.
Rinsing off debris and detergents is the final step in cleaning. It
is preferable to rinse under running water to permit the detergent residues
and debris to flow down the drain. Some instrument manufacturers recommend
a final rinse with distilled water.
PREPARATION/PACKAGING
Most instrument manufacturers recommend a water soluble lubricant (often
called instrument milk) be applied after cleaning and before sterilization.
This process should be performed in the prep and packaging area (clean
area) to avoid contamination of the lubricant solution. If a mechanical
washer is used, many offer a lubrication cycle. Always follow the lubricant
manufacturer's instructions for dilution (e.g. mix with sterile distilled
water rather than tap water), use life (can be anywhere from 24 hours to 14 days) and compatibility
with steam, ethylene oxide gas (ETO) and low temperature gas plasma
processes. It is recommended to note the date the lubricant needs to
be changed on the lid of the container of instrument milk. The lubricant
should be allowed to air dry; do not rinse off, or use towels to dry or the lubricant
will be removed.
Harsh chemicals such as saline and bleach should be avoided to prevent
damage and corrosion to instruments. Only use the chemicals recommended
by the device manufacturer.
Inspection of instruments should be performed using a lighted magnifying
lamp to help identify quality issues. Examine the instruments for:
 Tips of Finger Forceps Approximate |
 Check Stiffness |
 Check Sharpness of Scissors |
 Test if the Ratchets will Hold |
1) Cleanliness - especially in the joint (box lock), serrations and
ratchets.
2) Completeness - for multi-part devices, verify that all parts are
present.
3) Functionality - inspect/test the instrument for:
a) stiffness in the joint
b) sharpness
c) tips of finger forceps approximate
d) ratchets hold
e) jaws of needle holder hold a suture needle
f) condition of instrument marking tape or "dipped" covering
g) integrity of insulation.
The inspection process for cleanliness must occur each time. When processing Orthopedic loaner sets, make sure to lift up each instrument; look underneath for bone fragments that can accumulate during surgery. Any instruments that are not clean should be returned to the Decontamination
Area. Cleaning is not to be performed in the prep. / packaging area.
When an instrument is stiff in the joint this is an indication of debris in the joint; over
time the joint will fail (cracked box lock). A scissors that does not
cut, does not belong in an OR. Every scissors should be tested each time before
placing on a set. Use of a piece of Theraband (latex or non-latex type product) to
test for sharpness. Cut through the Theraband with ¾ of the scissors blade. Make sure you use the correct thickness of latex product; the thicker product is for longer instruments; the thinner product is for smaller blades (e.g. tenotomy scissors). The tips should cut without snagging.
To test if the ratchets will hold, close the instrument on the first
ratchet and then gently tap on the the edge of the
table. If the ratchet opens, the instrument should be sent for repair.
Instrument marking tape or instruments that have been "dipped"
into a chemical for color coding, need to be inspected to make sure
the tape or dipping is in good condition. These products can flake off
in the surgical field and enter the patient's incision. If either of
these methods is used to identify sets, they must be routinely replaced.
The integrity of insulation on insulated (e.g. laparoscopic) instruments is essential to prevent patient injury. All insulated instruments should be visually inspected for breaks in the integrity of the insulation. This is best visualized using a lighted magnifying glass. However, this is just the first inspection because some defects cannot be detected visually, Therefore it is recommended to perform insulation testing using a device specifically designed for this purpose. There are several on the market. Evaluate the performance, ease of use, cost and capability of the tester. Some units can also test cables and cords which is also desirable.
The insulation should be tested each time the instruments are processed
to avoid possible injury to the patient and/or surgical team. Results of the insulation testing should be documented in a log form and therecords saved with the sterilization records. For example, The date the set was tested, who tested it, how many instruments were tested, how many passed, how many failed, the action taken for the instruments that failed.
Any instrument that does not meet the performance criteria, should be
placed in a designated location for repair. A quality repair service
is recommended to keep instruments working properly. It is also recommended
to include preventive maintenance of all sharps.
Refer to the instrument manufacturer's instructions for use to determine if the instrument
can be sterilized assembled. For example, an laparoscopic forceps with
inserts may need to be sterilized disassembled, Failure to do so could
adversely affect the sterility of the device.
Instruments should be packaged based upon the use of the device, the
anticipated handling and the recommended sterilization process.
TRAY ASSEMBLY
When assembling sets always follow the count sheet or “recipe card” to make sure the correct instrument is placed on the set and the correct quantity. Today, some facilities using instrument tracking forms or count sheet programs. Regardless of the method, to prevent errors, enter the count on the count sheet or in the computer AFTER the instrument has been placed on the set. Do not enter the counts after the set is assembled—errors can be made.
Instruments should not be substituted without the approval of the OR. Missing instruments should be documented and the OR consulted to see if the set can be completed without the missing instrument(s).
Use tip protectors to protect sharp or delicate instruments. All instruments with finger rings should be placed on a stringer –the stringer should be wide enough to permit the jaws of the instruments to remain open to make contact with the sterilant. Do not use any type of packaging material inside the set (wrapped
or container). If instruments must be separated (e.f. forceps) use an autoclaveable bag that has been validated for use inside a wrapped set or rigid container.
When labeling sets, it is important to label the set correctly. When a set is labeled incorrectly, it delays the OR and the set will have to be completely reprocessed—a waste of time and money. For wrapped sets, write the name of the tray on the autoclave tape FIRST. Then after the set is wrapped, apply the tape. For rigid containers, check the name on the container first to make sure it matches with the tray.
When labeling packages always use a permanent marker that is non-toxic. Other devices are not recommended for use.
STERILIZATION
Today, most surgical instruments can be steam sterilized using standard
pre-vacuum steam cycles at 270oF for 4 minutes or 275oF for 3 minutes at 28-30 psig.
However, it is the device manufacturer that determines how the device
is sterilized. Some devices require extended exposure times (e.g. metal
implants) while others may require a lower temperature (250oF).
To avoid possible damage to the instrument, always follow the device
manufacturer's written instructions for the sterilization process (steam,
ETO, low temperature gas plasma, etc.), temperature,
exposure time, etc. It is not recommended to use an alternate method
of sterilization without the device manufacturer's approval.
SUMMARY:
Surgical Instrument represent a major financial asset to the healthcare
facility. Careful attention to care, handling (especially avoiding abuse
of instruments) and sterilization is essential to avoid costly replacements,
enhance patient and surgeon satisfaction, reduce costs (delays in the
OR) and enhance patient safety.
Develop a process for instrument preparation that includes all of the
above steps and make sure it is followed at all times.
REFERENCES:
Basics of Sterile Processing. Sterile Processing University, LLC., Third Edition, 2008, Lebanon, NJ.
Chobin, Nancy. "Cleaning and Decontamination". Healthcare
Purchasing News. Part I. January 2003.
Chobin, Nancy. "Cleaning and Decontamination". Healthcare
Purchasing News. Part II. February 2003.
Chobin, Nancy. "The Ten Commandments for Surgical Instrument Processing". Managing Infection Control. 2001.
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