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INSTRUMENT HANDLING
The most important guideline in any sterilization procedure is:
STERILIZE ONLY CLEAN INSTRUMENTS!
Pre-cleaning is essential with any sterilization process because the elevated temperatures of the sterilization cycle will
bake on any residual materials or debris. The most effective and thorough method of cleaning is to use an Ultrason-
ic Cleaning Unit (such as the Dentronix DDUS60 Ultrasonic Cleaner). Non-Ionic multi-purpose cleaning concentrates,
which include a rust inhibitor and require no rinsing (such as Dentronix MP-US Plus), are highly effective for the process-
ing of orthodontic pliers. Ultrasonic cleaning will remove dirt, debris and old lubricants, which could cause discoloration
and stiffening of joints. Weekly lubrication of the plier joint with a pure silicone product (such as Dentronix DSL-16 or
DSY-20) will maintain smooth joint travel.
WARNING!
If instruments are dropped, sprayed, or mishandled after sterilization, the instruments must
be pre-cleaned as recommended above. Never return the items to the sterilizer without first
cleaning them.
WARNING!
DO NOT USE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
• DO NOT USE IODOPHORS TO CLEAN PLIERS PRIOR TO STERILIZATION
• DO NOT USE ALCOHOL TO CLEAN PLIERS OR TO DISPLACE MOISTURE PRIOR TO STERIL-
IZATION
• DO NOT USE ANY CLEANER WHICH LEAVES A RESIDUE. THIS MAY RESULT IN SMOKING
OR UNDESIRED FUMES DURING THE STERILIZATION CYCLE.
• DO NOT USE PLAIN SOAP AND WATER TO CLEAN PLIERS PRIOR TO STERILIZATION.
• DO NOT DIP PLIERS IN ANY FLAMMABLE LIQUID PRIOR TO LOADING IN STERILIZER.
• DO NOT LUBRICATE PLIERS OR INSTRUMENTS WITH PETROLEUM-BASED LUBRICANTS.
• DO NOT USE WITH CASSETTES OR INSTRUMENT BAGS
• DO NOT LOAD INSTRUMENTS ON THE BOTTOM OF THE CHAMBER OR BETWEEN THE
PLIER RACKS. FOR INSTRUMENTS THAT DO NOT FIT THE RACKS AS SHOWN, USE HORI-
ZONTAL TRAY CAT. NO. D5000S-T OR HALF TRAY CAT. NO. D5000S-HT.
• DO NOT PLACE ANY ITEMS BELOW THE TRAY OR SHELF UNITS TO BE STERILIZED.
• DO NOT PLACE ANY INSTRUMENTS INSIDE THE PLIER RACKS.
