1. When reprocessing surgical instruments, always handle them with care, wearing personal protective equipment: impervious apron, shoe protection, gloves, and face shield in accordance with Universal Precautions recommended by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and your facility's policies.
2. Titanium instruments that are color anodized may lose their color over time through normal use and reprocessing.
3. Saline, cleaning / disinfection agents containing aldehyde, mercury, active chlorine, chloride, bromine, bromide, iodine, or iodide are corrosive and should not be used. Instruments must not be placed or soaked in Ringers Solution.
4. Do not soak instruments in hot water (temperature above 45°C/ 113°F), alcohol, disinfectants, or antiseptics to avoid coagulation of mucus, blood, or other body fluids. Do not exceed 2 hours soaking in any solution.
5. Do not use steel wool, wire brushes, pipe cleaners, or abrasive detergents.
6. Do not use high acid (pH 4.0 or lower) or high alkaline (pH 12 or higher) products for disinfection. Neutral pH detergents (at or near 7.0) are preferred.
