Cleaning is the first and fundamental step in the sterilization process of surgical instruments. It ensures the effectiveness of the subsequent steps and contributes significantly to patient and operator safety.
Cleaning
Cleaning the surgical instruments
This phase consists of two distinct but complementary points:
- Cleansing: consists of removing organic and inorganic residues (such as blood, tissue or contaminating materials) from the surface of the instruments. Eliminating these impurities is essential, because their presence can compromise proper sterilization in an autoclave.
- Disinfection: reduces the microbial load on the instruments, helping to prevent the risk of infection and cross-contamination between patients and operators. This can be performed using chemical disinfection with specific disinfectants, or by thermodisinfection, taking advantage of the action of temperature.
The cleaning process begins by collecting the instruments used, which are immersed in a decontamination tank containing a cleaning and disinfectant solution. This solution has two functions: it lowers the bacterial load and prevents dirt from adhering to surfaces, making it easier to remove. Once this phase is completed, the instruments must be manually or mechanically washed.
Mechanical washing ensures a combined physical and chemical action and can be carried out using ultrasonic devices, multifunction tanks or thermodisinfectors. These devices ensure effective cleansing and the removal of bacterial contaminants thanks to the synergistic action of chemical agents and/or heat.
Compared to manual washing, mechanical washing has several advantages, including:
- Lower risk of accidental injury;
- Lower risk of environmental contamination from aerosols and splashes;
- Repeatability and traceability;
- Time savings for staff;
- Reduced water consumption;
- More efficient cleaning;
- Increased productivity.
During the entire cleaning phase, it is essential that the personnel in charge use adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) — gloves, glasses, face masks and gowns — to protect themselves from contact with potentially infected materials. Safe management of contaminated instruments is in fact the first step to ensure a protected working environment.
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Ultrasonic tanks
Ultrasonic tanks play an essential role in the cleaning process, thanks to their ability to reach even the least accessible areas of the instruments, such as cavities or internal surfaces.
Ultrasonic cavitation uses high-frequency sound waves to generate micro-bubbles in the cleaning liquid. These micro-bubbles, as they implode, produce a delicate but extremely effective mechanical action, which removes even the most stubborn residues — such as cements, organic compounds or particularly adherent deposits — without damaging the instrument.
The use of specific cleaning solutions, enhanced with disinfecting agents, makes it possible not only to remove dirt, but also to significantly reduce the microbial load, improving the effectiveness of the treatment and preparing the instruments for the next stage.
Useful tips for effective ultrasonic cleaning of surgical instruments
• Check the effectiveness of the ultrasounds periodically;
• Use suitable and authorised disinfectants;
• It is necessary to comply with the correct concentration and temperature when using disinfectants;
• Do not place instruments on the bottom of the tank and always use baskets or beakers;
• Do not immerse mouth mirrors with other instruments, they may get ruined;
• Do not immerse motors and mechanical components;
Eurosonic ultrasonic tanks
Eurosonic is Euronda Pro System’s Made in Italy range of ultrasonic tanks. Eurosonic devices fulfil the requirements of medical and dental surgeries by offering a differentiated range in terms of capacity, preset washing programs and working temperature. Compact and ergonomic, they guarantee efficiency and extreme practicality in daily use, thanks also to an immediate and intuitive control system.
Multifunctional tanks
Multifunctional tanks represent an advanced solution for the management of the cleaning phase, differing from traditional ultrasonic tanks for superior performance and even more complete process management.
These devices perform all the processing steps in a fully automated, repeatable and traceable manner: washing, rinsing, disinfection and drying of instruments. The result is a deep and standardised cleansing, with optimised times and reduced risk of human error.
In combination with chemical detergents and disinfectants certified by the manufacturer, the multifunctional tanks guarantee chemical disinfection in accordance with the EN ISO 15883-5 standard, offering a documentable and high level of safety.
Thanks to the automatic drying function at the end of the cycle, the instruments are ready for packaging and sterilization, significantly reducing operating times and improving workflow efficiency.
Useful tips for proper chemical disinfection of surgical instruments
• So that the water can act on all surfaces, ensure that the instruments do not overlap;
• Place the burs in the appropriate bur block;
• Place mirrors in the appropriate silicone holders;
• Always use the liquids recommended and certified by the manufacturer.
Eurosafe Smart multifunction tank
Eurosafe Smart is the multifunctional bench-top tank that is Made in Italy. It is ideal for clinics wishing to optimise and automate the process of instrument cleansing and disinfection. Used in synergy with the multi-enzymatic disinfectant and detergent Sanifizer Automatic, it combines the efficiency of ultrasonic washing with the cleansing and disinfection of the load, while saving materials. This combination ensures optimal cleaning of all organic waste and, thanks to the biocidal system, ensures a broad spectrum of action.
Thermodisinfectors
Thermodisinfectors represent the most advanced solution for cleaning and disinfecting surgical instruments, offering superior performance compared to ultrasonic devices and multifunction tanks, both in terms of effectiveness and process standardisation.
The main difference compared to other systems lies in the disinfection mode, which takes place through heat, guaranteeing an effective and certifiable thermal action. In addition, thermodisinfectors offer a greater load capacity, making them ideal for structures with high volumes of instruments, while requiring greater space for installation.
The cycle is fully automated and includes:
- Washing with specific enzymatic detergents;
- Thorough rinsing;
- Thermal disinfection at 93°C for at least 2 minutes and 30 seconds, according to the legislated requirements;
- Final drying, which makes the instruments ready for packaging and autoclave sterilization.
Thanks to the synergistic action of temperature, detergents and time, thermodisinfectors ensure effective removal of biological contaminants, while ensuring cycle traceability and compliance with the strictest hygiene and health standards.
Useful tips for proper thermodisinfection of surgical instruments
• Do not place instruments on top of each other so that the water can act on all surfaces;
• Do not insert objects that may block the movement of the washing arms;
• Place pointed and sharp instruments in the appropriate basket, with the tips pointing downwards;
• Check that the material to be washed is compatible with thermodisinfection at 93°C;
• As recommended, use detergents approved by the manufacturer of the thermodisinfector in order to maintain washing performance.
Eurosafe thermodisinfectors
Eurosafe is the Made in Italy thermodisinfector line from Euronda. Eurosafe 60 and Eurosafe 170 are the two
Pro System devices that, thanks to a wide range of accessories, are able to meet the different requirements of medical and dental practices in terms of capacity and process speed.