Cleaning: Clean and remove all debris immediately after use. Use an enzymatic cleaning solution in an ultrasonic cleaner to clean instruments. Your ultrasonic solution should be changed daily. Hinged instruments should be cleaned and sterilized in the open position. Discoloration and oxidation may occur if instruments are improperly cleaned. To increase the life of your instruments, clean them well. Use detergents and disinfectants suitable for use with medical and/or dental instruments.

Lubrication: To increase the life of your instruments, routine lubrication is recommended. Prior to sterilisation, lubricate instruments. This should be done on daily basis or at least weekly. Use only lubricants designed for precision hinged instruments. If using a dry heat steriliser, be sure to use a lubricant that is compatible with the operating temperatures of your dry heat unit.

Sharpening: Regular sharpening to your cutters will increase its service life, and its ability to cut more effectively.

Frequency of sharpening depends on the frequency of use, as well as, the types and diameters of wires on which the cutter is being used. Check cutters frequently to assess if sharpening is needed.

Sterilising: Instruments should be in the open position when sterilised. The most efficient method is steam autoclave. Anaqa Range of instruments are actually designed for use with steam autoclave as well as Ethylene Oxide (EO) sterilisation. Steam autoclaves will not dull cutters. Other types of sterilising methods include chemical vapour or dry heat. Using cold sterilants is not recommended. If used, they can chemically attack your instruments.

Corrosion: Anaqa range of instruments are very resistant to corrosion. You can prevent corrosion problems by properly following all manufacturer’s’ recommendations. Discoloration may appear that may not be corrosion. Organic materials that remain can give the appearance of corrosion and be mistaken for rust.

An Orange/Brown stain is usually a phosphate layer caused by water sources, cleaning detergents, sterilisation solutions. Black stain is usually acid reaction caused by detergents.

Dark brown stain usually caused by dried blood residues. Bluish / black stain usually is plating caused by autoclave cleaning material.

Never mix a corroded instrument with new instruments as oxidation may be spread to new instruments. It is recommended that corroded instrument be discarded or replaced.

Maintenance and Care: It is extremely important to follow proper handling, care and sterilisation methods to ensure proper instrument function and improve the instrument life. Avoid tap water during the cleaning and sterilisation of instruments. Tap water contains high levels of minerals that can cause instrument discolouration and corrosion. Tap water can also neutralize rust inhibiting and lubricating solution. Always use purified, distilled water in ultrasonic cleaning and autoclave sterilisation units. It is also recommended to use a no-rinse ultrasonic solution that contains both a rust inhibitor and a lubricant prior to sterilisation and follow the manufacturer’s exact solution measurements.

Do not leave instruments in the ultrasonic solution after the cycle is complete, remove immediately and dry completely. Autoclaves contain high levels of moisture and can be damaging if not functioning properly. Instrument handling is also important. Make sure instruments are dry before sterilisation, keep jaws open, and do not overload trays. When cycle is complete, remove instruments immediately after cooling. Always check that joints and tips are moisture free or corrosion can occur. Lubricate with silicone-based lubricant before storage.

Corrosion Prevention: Corrosion can be an issue with any stainless steel instrument. Stainless steel requires Oxygen to form a protective chromium oxide surface layer, which protects against corrosion. Water droplets, organic residue and bonding agents left on the instruments prevent oxygen contact with the surface of instrument and protective layer of chromium oxide will not form. It is recommended

• Instruments should be thoroughly cleaned of all residual matter prior to sterilisation.
• All instruments should be sterilised in their open position.
• All instruments should be thoroughly air or towel dried taking special care in the joint areas and crevices.
• Instruments that corrosion should never be sterilised with non-corroded instruments as the iron oxide on the corroded instrument can transfer to the non-corroded instruments permanently.