How to Clean a Laboratory Syringe
Cleaning laboratory syringes helps prevent contamination and ensures accurate dosing. You should always adhere to the protocols of your institution and the manufacturer of your syringe. Specific cleaning requirements may vary based on the intended use of the syringe, its material composition , and the sample fluid introduced. Here is a typical protocol for cleaning a laboratory syringe.
VIDEO: Quick Reference for Sterilization of Surgical Instruments
After a good cleaning and disinfection, your surgical instruments may be sterilized using a variety of methods. The chart below shows two common methods, autoclaving and cold sterilization. Sterilization destroys all microbial life. Some chemical sterilants can be used as high level disinfectants (HLD) when used for shorter exposure periods.
VIDEO: Caring for Your Surgical Instrument Investment: Sterilization
In this video, you get some practical tips on sterilizing your surgical instruments and using an autoclave. This video is the fourth in a series of four to discuss some best practices in caring for your surgical instrument investment.
VIDEO: Caring For Your Surgical Instrument Investment: Ultrasonic Cleaning
In this video, you can see how to mechanically clean surgical instruments using an ultrasonic cleaner. This video is loaded with tips. This video is the third in a series of four to discuss some best practices in caring for your surgical instrument investment.
VIDEO: Caring for Your Surgical Instrument Investment: Manual Cleaning
In this video, you can see how to manually clean surgical instruments. It is loaded with tips. This video is the second in a series of four to discuss some best practices in caring for your surgical instrument investment.
VIDEO: Caring for Your Surgical Instrument Investment: Introduction
What's the difference between cleaning, disinfecting and sterilizing? Let's take a look. This is the first in a series of four videos to discuss some best practices in caring for your surgical instrument investment.
VIDEO: Guide for Ultrasonic Cleaning of Surgical Instruments
Ultrasonic cleaning is the most effective cleaning method for maintaining your surgical instruments, because of its cavitation. Vibrating sound waves create micron-size bubbles in solution that grow as the pressure in the unit changes.
VIDEO: Stain Guide for Surgical Instruments
Although stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, it can still rust and stain if it is handled improperly. To determine if a discoloration is rust or just a stain, erase the discoloration with a pencil eraser. If there is pitting in the metal under the discoloration, it is corrosion. If the discoloration is removed, it was just a stain.
How to Clean Surgical Instruments Using an Ultrasonic Cleaner
Prior to sterilizing surgical instruments, it is a good idea to make sure you have cleaned them to remove blood, tissue and all other organic material. If soiled materials dries or is baked onto the instruments, it will interfere with microbial inaction and can compromise the sterilization process.
Surgical Instrument Care and Handling
The proper care and handling of your valuable surgical instruments will improve their longevity and function. Choose a protocol appropriate for your environment from the cleaning techniques below. See the videos here.