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er potential infection prevention advantage of battery-operated tools: no exhaust.
3. Reprocessing
requirements
A power tool's moving parts are also key considerations in between-use reprocessing. Sterilization is
always a concern with regard to surgical instruments, and for many reprocessing professionals,
the devil's in the details — or the lumens, hinges,
nooks and crannies. While a pair of Metzenbaum
scissors presents certain reprocessing challenges,
orthopedic power tools offer their own tests to
central sterile staff.
When selecting and purchasing the tools, inquire
about which method (or methods) of sterilization
they can be reprocessed through. In order to ensure
that all parts of the tools can be thoroughly and
effectively cleaned, decontaminated and sterilized,
consider products that are relatively simple to disassemble and reassemble. Easier handling will save
time during reprocessing, while proper handling
will conserve the tool's usability over the long term.
Single-use power tools are now available for emergent situations or when reusable devices break
down, which is a nice safety net to have, although
many facilities' budgets will better accommodate
the reusable tools for routine procedures.
4. Safe handling
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