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GUIDELINES FOR REPROCESSING
DUCKWORTH & KENT REUSABLE TITANIUM OPHTHALMIC SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS
GENERAL

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.

Mechanical cleaning with an ultrasonic cycle is the preferred method of cleaning D&K instruments. However care must be taken as not all the D&K range is compatible with this method of cleaning. Instruments with delicate tips, in particular some Hooks and Probes can be cleaned mechanically as long as an ultrasonic cycle is not included in the process.

We recommend a non-ionic detergent is used in the ultrasonic bath and that a 5 minute ultrasound cycle is used. Avoid any acid based products when cleaning D&K instruments and always follow the guidelines set by the detergent manufacturer and mechanical cleaner manufacturer.

After cleaning, the device should be rinsed thoroughly in sterile distilled water for a minimum of 3 times.

Where possible D&K Sterilizing Trays, which include “stipple” mats, should be used to hold instruments secure to reduce damage during cleaning.

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 137degrees 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