INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing these precision surgical instruments from Bradshaw Medical, Inc. As our customer, we know you have a choice and we appreciate your decision to purchase from Bradshaw Medical, Inc. We recognize that you have made a significant investment in these instruments and offer the following guidelines to assure many years of product use from your purchase. These guidelines are intended to provide a better understanding of the care required when using precision stainless steel surgical instruments. These guidelines are not intended for use with electrical, pneumatic or other powered surgical instruments.
WARRANTY/RETURN POLICY
All surgical instruments manufactured by BMI are guaranteed against material defects and malfunction. This warranty is null and void if any of the following conditions apply: the instruments were not properly maintained, are altered in any way or used in a manner not intended for. Returns are allowed within 90 days of invoice unless used in surgery or have been sterilized. A restocking fee of 25% may be incurred based on product complexity and removing of laser marking. Specialty or customized products/packaging can only be returned for repair and shipped back to the customer. All product returns require a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number. To receive a RMA number, please call 262.925.1374.
CORROSION RESISTANCE
Stainless steel surgical instruments are made of corrosion resistant high-grade specialty steels. The key word here is “resistant” and we are emphasizing this feature to make the user aware that corrosion resistant does not mean corrosion proof. One of the special characteristics of these steels is that they form a passive oxide layer on the surface, which protects them against corrosion. Every effort has been made to make your instruments as corrosion resistant as possible. It is imperative that you, as the user, must do your part by treating them properly. If this is not done the steel can rust of stain, which can reduce the life of the instrument or has the same corrosion resistance. When strength and hardness requirements are important factors for instrument function, corrosion resistance is generally lower.
MAINTENANCE GUIDE
GENERAL CARE Do not use instruments for other than their intended purpose, such as cutting, holding, clamping, retracting, torqueing, etc. Avoid undue stress or stain when handling or cleaning.
WATER
Tap water can contain many minerals which may discolor and stain surgical instruments. It is recommended that deionized water be used for the final rinsing to prevent spotting. If tap water is used for final rinsing the instruments must be dried immediately to avoid staining.
NEW INSTRUMENTS
All instruments are shipped in a NON-STERILE condition and must be cleaned, lubricated and autoclaved prior to use.
MANUAL CLEANING
Clean instruments as quickly as possible after use. Do not allow blood and debris to dry on the instruments. If cleaning must be delayed, place groups of instruments in a covered container with appropriate detergent or enzymatic solution to delay drying. After surgery, open all box locks and disassemble instruments with removable parts. This will limit blood drying on instruments that may cause them to corrode.Do not use abrasive pads or cleansers, which will scratch the surface, allowing dirt and water deposits to collect. Abrasive cleaning will remove the protective passive layer. Do not use high concentrations of chlorine bleach to clean or disinfect stainless steel instruments, as pitting will occur. Sort instruments by similar metal for subsequent processing so that electrolytic deposition (galvanic corrosion) due to contact between dissimilar metals will not occur.
ULTRASONIC CLEANING
Ultrasonic cleaners are very effective when used with hot water per manufacturer’s recommended temperature and specially formulated detergents. It is recommended that all visible debris and blood be removed form the instrument prior to ultrasonic cleaning. Sort instruments by similar metal for subsequent processing so that electrolytic deposition (galvanic corrosion) due to contact between dissimilar metals will not occur. It is not recommended to clean plated instruments in an ultrasonic cleaner since the ultrasonic vibration and the presence of other sharp instruments may crack or rupture the plating.
LUBRICATION
To protect instruments from staining and rusting during sterilization and storage, they should be lubricated with a water-soluble, preservative lubricant after each cleaning. Since effective ultrasonic cleaning removes all lubricant, relubrication is important. The lubricant should contain a chemical preservative to prevent bacterial growth in the lubricant bath. Demineralized water should be used for the bath solution. A lubricant containing a rust inhibitor helps prevent electrolytic corrosion of points and edges. Immediately after cleaning, instruments should be immersed for 30 seconds and allowed to drain off, not wiped off. A lubricant film will remain through the sterilization to protect them during storage.
AUTOCLAVING
Staining and spotting may result if residual chemicals are not completely rinsed from instruments subjected to steam sterilization. Following proper drying cycles and the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations are vital to preventing the formation of excess moisture and the resultant water spotting.
IN CONCLUSION
These guidelines were written to provide a general understanding of the nature and concerns associated with the care and cleaning of surgical instruments. Attention has been paid to chemical and corrosion contacts the may inadvertently degrade, corrode, or otherwise shorten the expected life of hand held surgical instruments. These guidelines are not intended to be a complete or precise document with regard to all possible chemical contacts or reactions that may occur in a particular situation.
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