Question

What is the reprocessing cycle for used, soiled, and contaminated surgical instruments and
equipment?

Answer 1

Reprocessing cycle for used, soiled, and contaminated Surgical instruments:

Cleaning:

Cleaning is the first step of the recycling process. Used surgical instruments are cleaned to get rid off the blood, body fluids and other tissues. It is soaked in enzymatic detergent and washed either manually or mechanically. Then each instrument should be rinsed off specially under running water to prevent the deposit of detergent on the instruments. Allow the instruments to dry properly.

Inspection and packing:

inspect each instrument for its proper function, assembly it on the tray. Pack the tray by placing a label on it. Then it should be sent for the sterilization process.

Sterilization:

Sterilization is the process that kills all the microorganism and spores. Usually, surgical instruments are sterilized by the process of an autoclave. Instruments are autoclaved for 30 minutes at 121 degrees C. After autoclaved, remove all the instruments using sterile tongs and allow them to cool before storage. Sometimes dry heat is also used to sterilize the surgical instruments. Instruments are packed in aluminum foil and dry heat for 30 minutes at 180degree C. Rarely, chemicals also used to sterilize the instruments.