40
The non-rusting parts used in the Vacuklav
®
23-B ensure that the autoclave itself cannot cause rust to form. In any
cases in which rust has developed on the autoclave or on the sterilized items inside, investigations have
consistently shown that this rust has been dragged into the autoclave from the outside by rusty instruments.
We
must point out that rust can form on stainless-steel instruments made by even the best manufacturers.
One main cause of instrument rusting is improper treatment with chemical cleaning and disinfecting agents during
preparation for sterilization.
Preparation of instruments for sterilization
The problem of drag-in rust shows how important it is to properly prepare items for sterilization.
It is urgently
necessary to observe the following procedures:
1. Clean and prepare (for example, by oiling) handpieces and contra angles as described in the instructions
provided by the manufacturers of these items.
2. Immediately after their medical use, all other instruments must be placed in a disinfection and / or cleaning
solution in accordance with UVV/VBG 103 and properly cleaned and disinfected there.
3. Always be sure to use the correct dosage of disinfection and / or cleaning agents in these solutions.
4.
Important:
Be sure to carefully follow the instructions for the length of time that the instruments must soak in
the solutions.
5. We also recommend the use of ultrasonic equipment, recommended cleaning and care equipment for
handpieces and contra angles, as well as thermal disinfecting techniques.
6. The proper cleaning of instruments is also essentially important in preventing particles of soiled matter from
separating from the instruments during sterilization and from clogging the filters, nozzles, and valves of the
autoclave. It is extremely important to use a brush to very carefully clean the locks, joints, and hinges of the
instruments before sterilization.
7.
Important:
Use a brush under running water to completely rinse all cleaning and disinfecting agents from
instruments before placing them in the autoclave.
Residue of chemical cleaning and disinfecting agents
must by no means be allowed to enter the autoclave, since they will cause corrosion there.
8. As a final step before placing the instruments into the autoclave, rinse them with demineralized water, and dry
them well.
9. Be sure to use oil (as indicated in the manufacturers’ instructions) to prepare turbines and handpieces for
sterilization, in order to ensure their long service life.
Instruments new from the factory:
Be sure also to follow the above-described pre-cleaning procedure even for instruments new from the factory.
Often there are small amounts of oil, grease, and impurities still on new instruments, from their production.
Important: It is absolutely necessary to carefully follow the instructions for preparation and re-sterilization
procedures which are provided by manufacturers of instruments.
8.2
Drag-in rust (rust brought into the autoclave)
____________________________
Important:
As explained above, the non-rusting materials used in the autoclave make it impossible for the
autoclave itself to cause rust on the items being sterilized.
Any rust occurring on these items is drag-in rust which comes in on instruments or other metal objects placed into
the autoclave. Rust can occur on normal steel objects whose electroplated finish has become defective, and even
on stainless-steel objects. Often, only one single instrument with a rust spot is enough to drag in rust and cause it
to spread to and develop on other instruments or on the autoclave itself. Drag-in rust spreads to other instruments
in the form of film rust, which leads to rust corrosion on other instruments and on the autoclave. It is absolutely
necessary to remove drag-in rust from instruments, from the sterilization chamber, and from tray racks, by using
cleaning agents which are especially designed for use on stainless steel, which are not alkaline,
and which do not
contain chlorine
. We recommend the German product Sidol
®
.
IMPORTANT: Do not use steel wool or wire
brushes.
Clean off normal dirty spots with
a non-ravelling cloth
(i.e., which does not shed lint) which has been
dampened in water, methylated alcohol, or other types of alcohol.