New Instruments!

[allis]

I would like to know if it's necessary or not to send new instruments through the washer before they are put on trays! What should be done with new instruments after they are removed from the plastic wraps or the cardboxes used by the manufacturers? I am asking this question because my supervisor told me I was wasting time when I unpacked new instruments and put them on trays to be sent through the washer. I still believe I was doing the right thing. Any idea there? Thanks in advance!

[Karla]

Anything coming from outside of the hospital should be washed. You dont know where those instruments have been or what could be on them. You are doing the right thing. I always aways wash new instruments.

[allis]

Anything coming from outside of the hospital should be washed. You dont know where those instruments have been or what could be on them. You are doing the right thing. I always aways wash new instruments.
Thanks Karla! I understand you meant "anything" like scissors, clamps and so on... and you are right! We don't know what could be on those instruments. Even particles of metal can remain loose on the surface of instruments when the come from the manufacturers. I will keep washing my new instruments, but my supervisor disagrees. How you people think I should solve the problem? I don't want to be penalized for insubordination!:mad:

[pitbull]

If you go to the aami document and look up cleaning of instruments you have all the proof you need for your superviser, there is also the cs tech manual that will give you colored pictures, that yes everything must be cleaned prior use ( Chapter 7 ) hope this helps if you have any questions feel free to contact me.

[allis]

Thanks Pitbull. I will collect all the proof that I need. It's annoying to see instruments out of cardboxes going straight into trays to make or complete sets.

[pitbull]

you are more than welcome allis. It is so very nice to see that we are all wanting to do the best for our customers they could heaven forbid be us and we want to give them all our very best product great job and hope your boss sees you are correct.:)

[wperez]

You are doing the correct thing. We all know that anything coming in from the outside needs to go through the washer. You can also tell your supervisor that many instrument manufacturers (aesculap) put a coating on instruments and need two - three washes to remove. Keep washing and put your patient first!

[allis]

Thanks Wperez! I didn't know about those coatings on instruments. Why exactly would manufacturers coat their instruments? For protection during transportation? I am not sure!
It seems management is thinking about my practice of washing new instruments. The issue was discussed, and the conclusion was that washing new instruments is necessary before they are put in use. I am so encouraged by that! I questioned also Laryngoscope Blades. What solution you guys think can be used to wipe them down before putting them in circulation? Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[Rose Seavey]

According to AAMI ST79 under section 5 - Receiving - "Newly purchased instruments as well as new rigid sterilization container systems should be inspected and decontaminated, following manufacturers instructions, before initial use." Therefore, you are correct in sending those items through decontam before they are used.

[sjadams]

Everyone is correct in that these instruments need to be washed. As Pitbull pointed out, AAMI standard and the IAHCSMM text clearly explains this rationale. One additional point to note is also the process of passivation.
Passivation is the final step in the instrument manufacturing process. This process forms the "final layer" on the instrument. This process occurs at the hospital/facility where these items will be used. This process is achieved by sending these new instruments through the washers 3 times before being packaged and sterilized. Without performing this step, the surface of the instrument is more susceptible to staining and rusting.