Instruments Care

APPROVED HANDLING, CARE AND STERILIZATION METHODS BY FORTEC INTERNATIONAL

WARNING: These instruments are not sterilized. All instruments must be sterilized by an approved method before use.

Fortec International Approved Sterilization Methods.

We recommend steam autoclave and ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization methods.

Steam autoclave is a highly efficient method of sterilization which will not dull the sharpness of the instruments. If steam autoclave and ethylene oxide methods are not available,dry heat and chemical vapour methods are also recommended.  We do not approve chemicalsterilization methods.  These methods destroy your instruments quickly and, if used, will eventuallyinvalidate the warranty of your instruments.

Sterilization Advice:

Instruments should be dry before sterilization and in the open position when sterilized.  Instrumenttrays should never be overloaded. Sterilization units must be cleaned and functioning properly.Autoclaves have high level of moisture and can be damaged if not in good working order. Purified, distilled water must be used in autoclave sterilization units. We do not recommend using tap water.It contains minerals which can cause corrosion and discoloration of instruments. Take out the instrumentsfrom the autoclave immediately after cooling when the sterilization cycle is completed. Ensure that alltips and joints of the instruments are moisture free. Moisture may cause corrosion.Before storage,instruments should be properly lubricated with silicon based lubricant.

Cleaning of the Instruments:

Always clean the instruments thoroughly in order to enhance the life span of your instruments. Bulk derbies should be removed immediately after use. We recommended Enzymatic cleaning solution in an ultrasonic cleaner to clean the instruments. Ultrasonic solution must be changed on daily basis.Instruments with hinges must be cleaned in an open position. Oxidation and discoloration may occurif instruments are not thoroughly cleaned. Always use disinfections and detergents which are suitablefor use with dental and surgical instruments. With regards to concentrations and length of exposure,detergents manufacturer’s instructions should be followed strictly.

Tap water should be avoided during the cleaning of instruments. It contains minerals which can cause

corrosion and discoloration of instruments. Tap water can also neutralize the rust inhibiting andlubricating solution.

We recommended the use of purified, distilled water in ultrasonic cleaning units. It is also recommended

to use non-rinse ultrasonic solution that contains both lubricant and rust inhibitor prior to sterilization

and follow the manufacturer’s exact solution measurement. Never leave the instruments in the ultrasonic solution after the cycle is finished. Instruments should be removed and dried immediately.

Lubricant of Instruments:

Instruments must be lubricated regularly to increase the life time of instruments.It should be carried out

daily or at least on weekly basis. Prior to sterilization, instruments must be lubricated. Lubricants designed

Specifically for precision hinged instruments should be used. Make sure to use lubricant that is well-suited with the operating temperature of your dry heat unit if dry heat sterilized is used.

Sharpening of Instruments:

Regular sharpening of instruments, for example cutters, will enhance their service life and increase their

ability to cut more effective and efficiently. Fortec’s recommended frequency of sharpening the

cutters depends on how frequently you use them and also the diameters and type of wires on which the

cutter is being used frequently. Cutters must be assessed regularly if sharpening is required.

Corrosion:

All of the instruments manufactured by Fortec International are highly resistant to corrosion. Following care

recommendations and maintenance tips can be followed to further prevent corrosion problems.

Occasionally, discoloration of instruments may not be corrosion. Sometimes, organic materials that are

deposited on the instruments during use can give the appearance of corrosion or can be mistaken for rust.

1.      An orange-brown stain is normally a phosphate layer caused by water sources, sterilization solutions or cleaning detergents.

2.      A black stain is normally an acidic reaction caused by detergents.

3.      A dark brown stain is usually caused by dried blood residues.

4.      A blue-black stain is usually plating caused by autoclave cleaning materials.

Corroded instruments should never be mixed with non-corroded instruments as it may multiple the process of oxidation. We strongly recommend discarding or replacing the corroded instruments immediately.

Prevent  Corrosion:

Corrosion can be issue with any stainless steel instruments. Stainless steel requires oxygen to from chromium

oxide surface layer,which prevent it from corrosion.Bonding agents, organic residue and water droplets left on

the instruments prevent oxygen to come in contact with the surface of the instruments and forming this

protective layer.

Fortec International recommends the following to prevent corrosion:

1.  Prior to the sterilization of the instruments, all residual matter must be cleaned thoroughly

2. Instruments must be sterilized in open position.

3. Instruments must be properly air towel dried. Specifically take care of the joint areas and hinges.

4. Corroded instruments should never be sterilized with non-corroded instruments as it may permanently

transfers the iron oxide on the corroded instruments to the non-corroded instruments.

Fortec International Final Recommendation:

1. All Re-Usable instruments are delivered in NON-STERILE condition and must be cleaned, lubricated and

sterilized before every use.

2. All surgical instruments should be disinfected and cleaned immediately after use with disposable cloth/paper/

wiper etc.

3. If the instruments comes into connect with blood, tissue, physiological saline or other foreign substances, they

should be rinsed with warm (not hot) water before the substance dries up on the instruments.

4. We recommended cleaning solution and rinsed with pH7.0.

5. Ultrasonic cleaning is recommended.

6. For effectiveness, first clean the instruments off any residue before placing them in ultrasonic cleaner.

7.   After cleaning, all instruments should be dried immediately.

8. Treat all instruments with oil which is considered as being physiologically safe (paraffin oil), especially their

ends, ratchets and moveable parts.

9. Instruments can be disinfected in thermal washer-disinfectors.

10. Do not leave instruments in cleaning or disinfecting solutions for long time (over night or weekend) otherwise

instruments can be damaged.

11. All instruments should be visually inspected for damage or breakage.

12. It is the user responsibility to take proper care of the instruments.

13. We recommend laying down all instruments in their primary packaging.

14. Vacuum autoclave (steam) is preformed at the temperature of 134 C.

15.If instruments are dry heat (hot-air) sterilized, the temperature should be between 180c to 190c.

16. Corroded instruments should be discarded immediately.

17. The instructions of the autoclave manufacturer must be observed always.

18.Instruments must be stored in dry, clean and humidity-free environment without direct solar radiation.

19. Protect pointed tips of instruments with cloth, gauze or a special tube.

Maintenance of instruments:

Fortec International always recommends following proper handling, care and sterilization methods in order increase the lifespan of the instruments and make sure they perform the best that they can.

If you would like additional support or suggestion on looking after your instruments, please feel free

to contact us on info@fortec.ca