Seven steps — from receiving the instrument to storage. The order and settings are the same as in the full instructions.
1
1
Delivery and inspection
Instruments are supplied non-sterile. Before use they must be thoroughly cleaned, rinsed and sterilised.
Check cleanliness and materials. Instruments with corrosion spots must not be used.
Return defective instruments to the manufacturer.
2
2
Pre-sterilisation cleaning
Performed in specially equipped areas.
After use, disinfect the instruments with suitable solutions, following the instructions for concentration, duration and temperature.
Avoid solutions containing NaCl — they cause corrosion.
Change cleaning solutions daily.
Do not wash instruments made of different metals together.
Instruments must be open during cleaning.
Avoid overloading trays with instruments.
Final rinse temperature: 80–90 °C; use demineralised water.
Instruments must be dry before packaging.
3
3
Sterilisation
Autoclave sterilisation: do not exceed 177 °C. Steam-sterilise for 4 minutes at 132 °C or 30 minutes at 121 °C. A 30-minute drying cycle is recommended.
The indicator tape on the packaging must change colour.
Dry-heat sterilisation: temperatures above 177 °C reduce the strength of the instruments and may cause darkening and corrosion.
4
4
Storage
Store sterile instruments in a dry, clean place at 5–40 °C, away from chemicals.
5
5
Use and preparation
Clean instruments immediately after use (within 30 minutes): remove coarse contamination and place them in a disinfection bath.
6
6
Disinfection
Manual disinfection: use a combined cleaning and disinfecting agent and follow the correct concentration, exposure time and temperature.
Ultrasonic disinfection: minimum cleaning time is 16 minutes. Use a pH-neutral enzymatic cleaner and rinse thoroughly with demineralised water.
Mechanical / automatic washer: use pH-neutral agents and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Thermal disinfector: use pH-neutral agents and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
7
7
Drying and inspection
Instruments must be dry; check cleanliness and materials. If instruments are still contaminated, repeat the cleaning.
!
Attention!
Please note that aluminium instruments must not be treated with the following substances:
acids and alkalis
hydrogen peroxide solutions (including 6 %)
chlorine-containing agents
concentrated saline solutions
other aggressive or corrosive chemicals
Aluminium instruments
Safe pH for care
When choosing disinfecting and cleaning agents for aluminium instruments, consider the pH level: an unsuitable pH can damage the products.
Safe
pH 4 – 8.5
Safe range. Agents in this range are compatible with aluminium.
Caution
pH 8.5
Borderline level: gradual destruction of the anodised layer, especially with prolonged contact.
Dangerous
pH > 9.5
Dangerous level — may cause discolouration, loss of shine, a matte surface and crystallisation on the surface.
Use only agents with a neutral or slightly acidic / alkaline pH between 4 and 8.5 that are compatible with aluminium.
Do not use abrasive or metal objects for cleaning.
To preserve the quality and durability of the instruments, use only specialised disinfectants compatible with aluminium.
