Ophthalmic Instruments

[SusanR]

Does anyone milk their instruments? We stopped years ago, but was just told it needs to start again. Please help.

[dennalynn]

We do milk our ophtham instr. Anything that has moving parts or hinged ie; diamond knives, lieberman speculums, needle holders, gets milked at the end of a surgery day.

[Harvey Johnson]

Yes, we do too.

[CSS TECH]

Does anyone milk their instruments? We stopped years ago, but was just told it needs to start again. Please help.

Susan, please allow me to ask you this question: Why did you stop milking eye instruments?
I have some comments on the subject, but first I would like to know the reason(s) behind the decision to stop milking years ago.
Thanks!

[SusanR]

Dont know why.

[CSS TECH]

Dont know why.
OK! I think they stopped using the milk because they believe residues from the milk are left on the instruments, causing eye infections. For the same reason, some facilities (including mine) don’t use soap on eye instruments and have a special ultrasonic machine to process those instruments.
If a facility does not want to milk eye instruments, another way will be necessary to lubricate them. We milk eyes instruments in my facility, but we always make sure they are thoroughly rinsed before sterilization.
I am against not using soap in the ultrasonic washer on eye instruments. I think soap is necessary to the sonic process.

[sheper1]

If they are not using a detergent to clean the eye instruments how are they getting them cleaned?

[CSS TECH]

If they are not using a detergent to clean the eye instruments how are they getting them cleaned?
Well! They still can use an enzymatic solution which is neither a detergent nor soap. Such a solution will digest proteins, fats and carbohydrates from the instruments. Once bioburden and all organic debris are removed, instruments are ready to be safely sterilized.