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GUIDELINES FOR REPROCESSING
DUCKWORTH & KENT REUSABLE TITANIUM OPHTHALMIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS
DIAMOND KNIVES

Duckworth & Kent manufacture a wide range of Ophthalmic Titanium Surgical Instruments, which include some very delicate and precise instrumentation. The utmost care must be taken at all times when handling these instruments to avoid damage.

CLEANING
We would recommend that all instruments be cleaned as soon after use as possible to avoid drug solutions, tissue, blood or other residues drying on them.

For the D&K range of Diamond Knives manual cleaning is recommended. We would not recommend that any type of brush be used on the diamond blade.

Diamond blades should be cleaned by gently wiping the blade from back to tip with a detergent wipe.
The body of the knife can be manually cleaned in a non-ionic detergent solution that is not acid based. A brush may be used to remove any visible dirt. Ensure that the cleaning process is carried out beneath the surface of the solution.
After cleaning the knife should be rinsed thoroughly in sterile distilled water for a minimum of 3 times.
Never use a saline or salt based solution as a salt residue may cause damage to the handle mechanism.

STERILIZATION
Moist heat (steam) is the preferred method of sterilization for D&K Ophthalmic Titanium Surgical Instruments. Please ensure the system manufacturers guidelines are followed at all times.

A maximum temperature of 137 degrees centigrade is recommended for all D&K instrumentation for a minimum holding time of 3 minutes, not exceeding 30 minutes.

All cleaning processes require validation at the point of use. Their effectiveness will depend on many factors and it is only possible to give guidance for an effective process.

25/11/02