Quick Reference for Sterilization of Sapphire Knife

Cleaning

Manual Cleaning

1. Use a syringe with distilled water to flush the instrument of blood and body fluids.
2. Dip the blade and handle into a weak alkaline cleaning solution and let it sit for 60 minutes at a temperature of +22°C (+72°F ).
3. The handle of a knife may be cleaned with a soft brush.
4. Flush the instrument with tap water for 30 seconds. Then, rinse with distilled water for other 30 seconds. The blade should be pointed down for flushing.

Ultrasonic Cleaning

Using a  sterilizing case with silicon inserts or mats to reduce vibration and protect the blade.

1. Fill the ultrasonic cleaner with warm distilled water (+70°C (+152°F)).
2. Immerse the blade and handle in the water.
3. A 2 to 3 min washing cycle should be enough to clean knife.
4. Rinse the instrument with distilled water. 

   Suggested Sterilization Methods

   We recommend sterilizing the knives in trays with silicone inserts or silicone mats. This will prevent movement.

   Sterilization Method	Type of Sterilization	Temperature	Exposure Time
   Steam	Gravity Displacement	+132ºC (+270ºF)	4 min
   Flash Process	Gravity Displacement	+132ºC (+270ºF)	4 min
   Autoclave	Gravity Displacement	+132ºC (+270ºF)	4 min

   These sterilization cycles represent the industry standards and should be capable of producing a sterile device.

   NOTE: Ethylene oxide (ETO) sterilization is recommended for items that are heat or moisture sensitive, and is best  suited for expensive medical equipment. ETO takes longer, between 3.5–16 hours to ensure sterilization. If time is not an factor, then ETO is an excellent sterilization method. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for your instruments.
   
   

   The Art of Cleaning and Sterilization: Ensuring Hygiene in Your Instruments

   When it comes to medical and surgical instruments, maintaining impeccable cleanliness and sterility is paramount. Not only does it ensure patient safety, but it also prolongs the lifespan of your valuable equipment. In this article, we delve deep into the intricacies of manual and ultrasonic cleaning methods, as well as recommended sterilization techniques, to help you achieve the highest standards of hygiene.

   Manual Cleaning: A Step-by-Step Guide

   Manual cleaning is a fundamental process that lays the groundwork for effective sterilization. Here's a detailed breakdown of the steps involved:
   

   1. Initial Flush with Distilled Water: Using a syringe filled with distilled water, meticulously flush the instrument to remove any traces of blood and body fluids. This initial step is crucial in reducing the bioburden and preparing the instrument for further cleaning.
   2. Soak in Alkaline Solution: Next, submerge the blade and handle into a weak alkaline cleaning solution. Allow the instrument to soak for 60 minutes at a temperature of +22°C (+72°F). This solution breaks down organic matter, making it easier to remove during subsequent rinsing.
   3. Scrubbing the Handle: For harder-to-reach areas, particularly the handle of the knife, use a soft brush to gently scrub away any remaining debris. Be cautious not to damage the surface or the intricate mechanisms.
   4. Thorough Rinsing: Once the soaking period is complete, flush the instrument with tap water for 30 seconds to remove the bulk of the cleaning solution. Follow this with another 30-second rinse using distilled water, ensuring the blade is pointed downwards to avoid splashing. This final rinse minimizes the presence of any residual chemicals or impurities.

   Ultrasonic Cleaning: A High-Efficiency Option

   For a more thorough and efficient cleaning, ultrasonic cleaning is the way to go. Here's how it's done:
   

   1. Prepare the Ultrasonic Cleaner: Fill the ultrasonic cleaner with warm distilled water, maintaining a temperature of +70°C (+152°F). This temperature enhances the cleaning action of the ultrasonic waves.
   2. Immerse the Instrument: Carefully immerse the blade and handle of the knife into the water, ensuring they are fully submerged. Place the instrument in a sterilizing case with silicon inserts or mats to reduce vibration and protect the delicate blade.
   3. Activate the Cleaning Cycle: Set the ultrasonic cleaner to a washing cycle lasting 2 to 3 minutes. The high-frequency sound waves create microbubbles that penetrate even the smallest crevices, lifting away dirt and contaminants.
   4. Final Rinse: After the cleaning cycle, remove the instrument from the ultrasonic cleaner and rinse it thoroughly with distilled water. This step ensures that all traces of the cleaning solution are removed.

   Recommended Sterilization Methods

   Once the instrument is impeccably clean, it's time to sterilize it. Here are some of the industry-standard sterilization methods:

   • Steam Sterilization:
   • Gravity Displacement: At a temperature of +132ºC (+270ºF), expose the instrument for 4 minutes. This method is widely used and effective for most surgical instruments.
   • Flash Process: Similar to Gravity Displacement, but optimized for faster processing times.
   • Autoclave Sterilization: Using an autoclave, subject the instrument to a temperature of +132ºC (+270ºF) for 4 minutes. This method is reliable and suitable for large-scale sterilization.
   • Ethylene Oxide (ETO) Sterilization: Recommended for heat- or moisture-sensitive items, ETO sterilization takes longer (3.5–16 hours) but ensures thorough sterilization. It's ideal for expensive medical equipment where time is not a constraint.

   Note: Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific instruments, as sterilization requirements may vary.