REMINDER
We recommend Steam sterilization

Rinse and soak contaminated instruments immediately after use. Clean thoroughly before sterilizing in an autoclave.

During autoclave sterilization instruments should be open.

Do not stack the instruments or allow them to come into contact with one another.

Follow the instructions provided by equipment and solution manufacturers.

Store the instruments properly lubricated.

Perform regular instrument inspections.

In case of any problems encountered at any stage of the maintenance process contact EuroNexia.

1. New Instruments

Newly purchased instruments must be cleaned, lubricated and sterilized in an autoclave directly before use.

2. Customized Instruments

EuroNexia may design and manufacture instruments adapted to individual needs of your laboratory. We have the necessary experience and knowledge as well as a quality system compliant with ISO 9001 and EN 46001 standards, which assure that customized instruments meet the requirements of our clients perfectly. For further information please contact us.

3. Surface Maintenance

EuroNexia surgical instruments are crafted from the finest German stainless steel resistant to corrosion. The steel has been especially selected to meet various requirements in the field of cutting, constricting, retracting and chiselling. A characteristic property of this type of steel is that it forms passive layers on the instrument's surface providing protection against corrosion. These layers act as invisible patina and cause that with each application and exposure to air the instruments become more corrosion resistant.

Although the manufacturing process incorporates all treatments aimed at providing resistance to corrosion, the real key to the instruments' long service life lies in proper maintenance. It is the users' responsibility to take proper care of the instruments. In a sense, the term "stainless steel" is incorrect and thus cannot be treated literally. If we mistreat stainless steel it may lose its colour and start to corrode abridging the instruments' service life of rendering it useless. The S-20-P perforated spoon is made of chromed steel. It's sterilization is possible thought should not be too frequent as it's coating can deteriorate irremediabely. One should avoid the sterilization of the instruments made of different metals together at the same time.

Below we present guidelines for proper treatment of surgical instruments.

4. Transport and Storage

All the instruments should be treated with due care during transport, cleaning, maintenance, sterilization and storage. This is especially important with regard to blades, fine tips and other delicate elements. Surgical instruments undergo corrosion and their performance is defective when they come into contact with aggressive substances such as acids or aggressive detergents. After drying the instruments completely, place them in a dry and clean place. Do not store them in places where chemicals may emit corrosive fumes or where fluctuating temperature of humidity may cause vapour to condense on the instruments. Instruments should be stored in dry, clean and humidity-free areas. Instruments should be stored separately in their own primary packaging. If the instruments are kept in a drawer, their tips should be protected by our Instrument's Tips Protections.

5. Proper Use

Instruments are designed for a specific purpose and should be used accordingly. Even the strongest instrument may be damaged if misused, e.g., when nail pliers are used for cutting wire. Using instruments for purposes or in a way differing from that resulting from the name and application may cause damage or defects to the instruments. Such use of an instrument causes that the warranty given by EuroNexia becomes void.

6. Perform regular instrument inspections.

Ordinary tap water contains minerals which may cause decoloring and corrosion. Therefor, we recommend the use of distilled water for cleaning, disinfecting and rinsing instruments. In order to avoid corrosion use a cleaning solution with a near-neutral pH (7).

The ultrasound method is the most effective and efficient method for cleaning surgical instruments. In order to rise the effectiveness first clean the instruments off any residue before placing them in the ultrasonic cleaner. Moreover, we recommend following the rules specified below:

do not mix in one cycle instruments made of stainless steel and instruments made of carbon steel covered with a galvanizing layer

open all instruments so that locks and latches are accessible

avoid stacking instruments one over the other during loading - remove and rinse the instruments immediately after cycle end

dry the instruments immediately after rinsing and leave them in open air to dry completely

lubricate all movable parts

ATTENTION - After ultrasound cleaning perform a careful inspection of the instruments in terms of potential loosening of particulars parts, e.g., loose screws.

If ultrasound cleaning equipment is not available, the instruments should be cleaned very carefully.

Special attention should be paid to cleaning locks, teeth, hinges and other difficult to access areas. For cleaning use nylon (not steel)l brushes and warm (not hot) cleaning solution. Follow the manufacturer's instructions while preparing solutions. Change the solution in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendation.

Instruments should be treated with utmost care in order not to damage their delicate tips and mechanisms. If the instruments came into contact with blood, tissue, physiological saline or other foreign substances, they should be rinsed with warm (not hot) water before the substance dries up on the instruments. After rinsing, dip the instrument in a cleaning and disinfecting solution. The best effects are achieved by cleaning and rinsing the instruments immediately after each application. Delayed cleaning may result in particles sticking to the instruments or secretions drying up making them resistant to cleaning, and in the future difficult or even impossible to sterilize. Since many chemical compounds and substances have a strong corrosive effects on stainless steel, instruments should be immediately rinsed and dried if they were exposed to any potentially hazardous substances.

7. Inspection

Before each application check and test the instruments. Visible defects, cracks, deformed elements or blunt blades indicate that the instruments require repair and must nit be used.

Inspection of instruments:

The best time to check the condition of the instruments is after cleaning and lubrication, after they have cooled down. The application of defective instruments is strictly forbidden. Never attempt to repair the instruments on your own. Servicing and repair work should be carried out exclusively by trained and qualified employees of our authorized service point. Questions concerning repair should be reported to the manufacturer.

8. Lubrication

After cleaning the instruments and prior to sterilization in an autoclave lubricate all movable parts. If the instruments are to be sterilized in vapour, the use of an authorized water-soluble lubricant is recommended.

9. Sterilization

Sterilization guidelines compliant with the reveal national regulations should be adhered to. Proper parameters regarding the sterilization time, temperature and pressure should be taken from the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the sterilization equipment. Steam sterilization is recommended. If you have any doubt or concern plese contact us directly.