Surgical Instrument Cleaning, Decontamination, and Packaging Notes

Box locks

The hinge mechanism of an instrument that must be kept clean and accessible.

Cavitation

A process in ultrasonic cleaners where microbubbles form and collapse to dislodge debris.

BI (Biological Indicator)

A small test tube containing dormant bacteria used as a test device to verify sterilization effectiveness by incubation.

Indicator tape/strips

Chemical indicators that change color to show a pack has undergone sterilization, but do not guarantee sterility.

CheKSol

A wrapping/packaging concept mentioned in lab discussions, typically a paper/plastic composite usable for oddly shaped instruments.

Denison textile-paper wrap

A moisture-repellent, single-use, hydrophobic wrap option that is durable but more expensive, usually cut from rolls.

Selective permeability

A property of wrapping material that allows sterilizing agents to penetrate while keeping dust and contaminants out.

Memory (wrapping material)

The ability of a wrap material to return to its original shape, laying flat for easier wrapping and storage.

Suture and gauze counts

Critical inventory control procedures for items like gauze sponges to prevent retained items in body cavities during surgical procedures.

Pre-soaking instruments

The practice of soaking instruments in distilled water as soon as possible (ideally within t \le 10\ \text{minutes}) after surgery to prevent tissue/blood from drying.

Ultrasonic cleaning time

The typical duration for ultrasonic cleaning of instruments, which is t\_{\text{ultra}} \in [3,6]\ \text{minutes}.

Autoclave expiration

For autoclaved packs