I KRUUSE Cleaning Instruction Proper Handling Proper usage will ensure that instruments will function well when they are needed. To avoid unnecessary instruments’ abuse, we strongly urge that instruments are used only for their specifically designed purpose. Haemostats should be used as blood vessel clamps only. Do not use them as needle holders, tubing clamps or pliers. Such abuse will misalign the instruments and may result in premature cracking and damage to serrations. Needle holders should never be used as pliers. Again, this will lead to improper alignment of the jaws. Always match the needle holder to the size of the needle being used. Scissors are particularly subject to abuse. Misuse can easily dull or chip the cutting edge and misalign the blades. Eye scissors are extremely delicate and must be treated accordingly. Bone cutting forceps and ronguers should only be used on bone. Pin or wire cutters are to be used on metal. Perhaps an old set of oestotomes and ronguers should be kept on hand to chip bone from a plate or screw. Reserve new sets for more precise orthopedic procedures. Marking and labelling Vibro-etching is not recommended because it: n Scratches the protective surface n Leads to premature corrosions n Weakens box locks n Voids warranties n Is more difficult to refinish No Steel is Truly “Stainless” It is a fact that so-called stainless steel is subject to both water spotting and staining. However, what many people identify as a “rust” problem usually turns out to be something else. Most often, the problem is actually a stain caused by a surface deposit. These deposits appear in a variety of colours, depending upon the type of deposit involved. Once the cause is found and eliminated, most of the time the problem quickly diminishes or disappears completely. More than 75% of all surgical instruments are made from stainless steel. As you probably know stainless steel is ideally suited for the surgical suites because it is rust resistant. It can be honed to an extremely sharp edge or fine point, and it can be hardened to maintain the delicate, yet precise, requirements of the surgeon. But it is this hardened quality - the amount of carbon used during the manufacturing process coupled with harsh chemicals and improper care that renders stainless steel susceptible to corrosion. To increase stainless steel corrosion resistance, surgical instruments’ manufacturers use a special two step corrosion prevention process. But these processes alone are not enough to give your instruments the longest, most useful life possible. Developing a Comprehensive Instrument Care Program Cleanliness, lubrication, correct handling and storage procedures will insure proper instruments’ performance. If you want to significantly lengthen the serviceable life of your surgical instruments, you should also trouble shoot during the entire instruments’ cleaning process; regularly inspect your instruments for signs of corrosion, stain and wear. www.kruuse.com © KRUUSE · September 2018 · 20098
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