🩺 Instrument Care and Maintenance – Pak Line Industries

 

Extending Instrument Life with Proper Care & Maintenance

At Pak Line Industries, we proudly manufacture and export a premium range of Surgical, Dental, Orthopedic, Veterinary, and Beauty Instruments, crafted with precision and trusted by professionals worldwide since 1985.

To ensure long-lasting performance and safety, proper instrument care, cleaning, and maintenance are essential. Following correct procedures not only preserves your investment but also ensures maximum durability, corrosion resistance, and functionality.

This guide provides comprehensive instructions on cleaning, sterilization, lubrication, and storage—helping healthcare professionals maintain their instruments in perfect working condition.

Proper pre-cleaning prevents damage, staining, and corrosion.
Follow these essential steps:

  • Keep instruments moist immediately after use to prevent blood or debris from drying.

  • Rinse under cool or lukewarm water (below 43°C / 110°F) immediately after procedures.

  • Avoid chlorinated or saline solutions, which can cause rust and corrosion.

  • Disassemble multi-part instruments to expose all surfaces for cleaning.

  • Do not mix different metal instruments together during cleaning.

  • Ebonized or coated instruments should be cleaned separately to avoid scratching.

  • Use distilled or demineralized water for final rinsing to prevent mineral stains.

Cleaning Precautions

  • Time, temperature, and agitation are key for proper cleaning.

  • Avoid soaking in hot water, alcohol, or harsh disinfectants for long periods.

  • Use soft nylon brushes, lint-free cloths, or water spray guns.

  • Never use steel wool, wire brushes, or abrasive materials that may damage surfaces.

  • Always clean instruments immediately after use to prevent residue buildup.

Manual Cleaning

  1. Rinse instruments thoroughly with distilled water.

  2. Use neutral pH detergents (pH 6.0 – 8.5) to prevent corrosion and pitting.

  3. Gently brush using nylon brushes while immersed in the solution.

  4. Rinse again with demineralized water, ensuring all detergent residue is removed.

Ultrasonic Cleaning

Ultrasonic cleaning is highly effective for removing debris from hard-to-reach areas.

Guidelines:

  • Place instruments in an open position—do not pile them up.

  • Use low-sudsing, neutral pH detergents recommended by the manufacturer.

  • Do not mix dissimilar metals (e.g., stainless steel with copper).

  • Follow manufacturer’s specifications for cycle duration and solution type.

  • Avoid using this process for delicate or micro instruments.

Rinse and Dry

  • After ultrasonic cleaning, rinse instruments with distilled, pyrogen-free water.

  • Allow to air dry completely or use a soft, absorbent towel for drying.

  • Ensure all moisture is removed before storage or sterilization.

Lubrication

  • After cleaning and before sterilization, lubricate all joints, hinges, and box locks.

  • Use only water-based surgical-grade lubricants.

  • Do not rinse instruments after lubrication.

Steam sterilization (autoclaving) is the most effective method for instrument sterilization.
Always ensure instruments are completely clean and dry before autoclaving.

General Tips:

  • Keep instruments open and unlocked during autoclaving.

  • Avoid overloading trays to allow full steam penetration.

  • Use only distilled water to generate steam.

  • Ensure packaging materials are approved for sterilization.

  • Place a towel or absorbent cloth at the bottom of trays to control moisture.

Recommended Sterilization Parameters

Method Temperature Exposure Time Drying Time
High Vacuum Steam (Pre-Vacuum) – Wrapped 270°F (132°C) 3 minutes N/A
Gravity Steam – Unwrapped 250°F (121°C) 4 minutes 20 minutes
Gravity Steam – Wrapped 250°F (121°C) 45 minutes 20 minutes
Ethylene Oxide (EtO) – Unwrapped 131°F (55°C) 30 minutes 8 hours (minimum)

These parameters comply with ISO 17664 and FDA (21CFR Part 58) Good Laboratory Practice regulations.

Instrument Checkup

After cleaning and sterilization:

  • Inspect each instrument for damage, corrosion, or wear.

  • Discard any defective or malfunctioning tools.

  • Ensure moving parts work smoothly and tips align properly.

Storage of Instruments

  • Store instruments in a clean, dry, and temperature-controlled environment.

  • Keep instruments locked in the first detent position to prevent damage.

  • Use protective trays or tip guards for sharp and delicate tools.

  • Separate stainless steel and coated instruments to avoid scratches.

  • Maintain an organized storage system for quick access and traceability.

Pak Line Industries Commitment

At Pak Line Industries, we believe that proper care and maintenance are key to extending the life of every instrument we produce. Our commitment to precision, safety, and sustainability ensures that every product performs at its best—enhancing both medical excellence and patient safety.

🔹 Need Assistance or Reprocessing Guidelines?
Contact our technical support team at info@pak-line.com for detailed product care sheets or maintenance recommendations.