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A P R I L 2 0 1 4 | O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E
will corrode a stainless steel
surface. It doesn't take long.
Surgical residue can easily
mark or stain an instrument,
especially if it's allowed to dry.
This damage is preventable if
OR staff conduct point of use
pre-cleaning throughout and
immediately after each case.
As instruments are used, wip-
ing their surfaces and flushing
their lumens with sterile water
will remove debris before it
has a chance to dry.
Nurses and techs can also
S T E R I L E P R O C E S S I N G
S
tainless steel, an alloy made from
steel, nickel and chromium in varying
proportions, rarely rusts but without
proper care it can suffer the following types
of damage.
• Marking.
Visible deposits or "water
spots" that remain on instrument surfaces
after cleaning. Can be wiped off with mini-
mal friction. Often the result of high mineral
content in the water and/or autoclave
steam. To prevent, monitor water quality and
implement a treatment system, or rinse after
cleaning with distilled or de-ionized water
and towel dry immediately, never air-drying.
• Staining.
A surface discoloration result-
ing from inadequate soil removal, improper
cleaning practices or a chemical reaction
during sterilization. To remove, try elbow
grease or soak in solution.
• Corrosion.
Often seen as miniscule pits
penetrating the surface of a stainless steel
instrument. Results from chemical reactions
with organic bioburden or chloride com-
pounds such as saline or bleach. Since cor-
rosion provides an unreachable hiding place
for infectious bacteria, pitted instruments
must be discarded.
— David Bernard
INSTRUMENT INFRACTIONS
The Damage That's Done
SPRAY N' WASH
Spraying used trays with enzymatic
cleaner immediately after use helps
prevent damage. Inspect instruments
before returning them to service.
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