Surgery and Radiology Section

INSTRUMENT CARE

Introduction

• Most of the surgical Instruments in veterinary practice are made  up of stainless steel.
• Different types of metals are used  to make them resistant to corrosion.
• With correct usage, careful handling and thorough maintenance, the durability of instruments can be increased.

The instruments have three finish:

Mirror finish

• Highly polished and makes the instrument very resistant to corrosion.

Satin finish

• Designed to avoid the glare of the mirror finished instruments

Ebony finish

• Eliminates glare completely
• Tungsten carbide may be incorporated into the tips and jaws of some instruments to provide an extremely hard wearing surface, which can be replaced.
• These instruments are usually gold handled.

Care and maintenance of Instruments

• Instruments must only be used for the purpose for which they are intended.
• Handle the instruments carefully, never throw or drop them.
• The instruments are thoroughly washed immediately after operation with soft brushes to remove blood clots, dirt and dusts.
• Use demineralized distilled water for rinsing and washing so as to avoid metal/mineral deposition, however mild cleaning solutions can also be added.
• Dry the instrument after washing.
• Check hinged instruments for mobility, so that all box joints should work smoothly.
• Instruments must be cleaned, lubricated before packing, use of mineral oils, grease for lubrication should be avoided.
• Place protective tips over sharp and delicate instruments when not in use.
• An ultrasonic cleaner may then be used if available (Upto 90% of debris is removed after a 5 minutes cycle)