Table
of Contents
Welcome
Introductory Letter
History of Surgical Industry in Pakistan
Company Profile
Quality Policy
Process Flow Chart
Process Model
Manufacturing Steps
Cleaning, Sterilization & Maintenance Process
WELCOME
We feel immense
pleasure to present our latest catalogues in which we have
featured a most comprehensive range of all quality Dental
Instruments required for day-to-day use for SURGEONS, OPERATING
ROOM, NURSES CENTRAL SUPPLY, CLINICS, FLOOR USE, EMERGENCY
ROOMS, And PROFESSIONAL AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE DENTAL-CARE
TEAM. Without their loyalty, support and steady flow of
innovative ideas, we would not be marking this momentous
occasion.
Further, we are proud to dedicate this landmark edition to you
being our valued customer. With this dedication, we would also
like to recognize and honor team past and present, especially
one gentleman whose name is synonymous with the creation of fine
Surgeon instruments, our associate for more than one decade, Mr.
Qadeer Ahmad Khan.
Together, we have followed in the footsteps of our founder, Mr.
Abdul Ghani (Late) in a culture dedicated to quality, service
and responsiveness to our customer's needs. Today, all of us at
QZA INTERNATIONAL is proud to serve as your single-source
supplier for the specialty of all kinds of Dental Care Products.
We have ISO 9001:2000, ISO: 13485:2003, cGMP Approved and CE
Marked. We wear this badge with pride. We have implemented not
to our product, but rather to a Company's documented quality
policies, processes and procedures.
All instruments are manufactured according to the recognized
standard patterns currently in use in Hospitals throughout the
world and are being produced under the strict control of experts
to avoid any flaw and to refrain any complaint at any stage. If
there is any way we can be of service to you, please contact us
without any hesitation.
We express our thanks to our entire customer for the confidence
they have placed in us in the past. We further assure them, that
we will continue our best efforts to gain their confidence in
the future.
Quality is never an accident; it’s always the results of an
intelligent effort.
<--- --- --
--- --- -- -- -- -- --- --
>
INTRODUCTORY LETTER
Subject: Supply of Dental Instruments
Dear Sir/Madam,
We introduce ourselves as pioneer Manufacturers – cum –
Exporters of Dental Instruments in super quality here in
Pakistan beg to our most excellent service to cater against your
valuable requirements.
Our organization, backed by the history of over four decades
fully equipped with the most modern machinery, hardening,
tempering, plating plants having adequate testing facilities by
the highly skilled and most experienced craftsmen / technicians,
is producing unrevealed quality carrying an unconditional
GUARANTEE for: -
1
Use of best steel of
proper specification in the production, flawless workmanship and
superb finish.
2
Electrolytically
passivated and ultrasonically cleaned with the best-imported
chemicals to provide maximum resistance to
corrosion.
3
Exact match of samples
approved by the buyers, as well as, uniform standard of
fabrication and finish for any quantities.
4
Immediate settlement
of any item found to be of substandard quality replaced
including the applicable charges if any.
CATALOGUES:
Illustrated Dental Catalogue is being provided for your future
reference.
DELIVERY:
All orders are being supplied within the stipulated period of
time.
However, the orders of special and non-existing items can also
be executed upon receipt of sketch, drawings or specifications
from the customer.
SAMPLES:
In order to just take an idea about our quality, please ask for
necessary samples of your interest against which we shall be
very glad to submit without any further delay.
PRICE:
Now-a-day, due to great competition, this business is being
conducted on quotation basis, therefore, you are requested to
kindly provide us a list of your desire items against which we
shall appreciate to quote / offer our most competitive prices
for favour of your kind approval.
Looking forward to your early kind encouraging reply.
With Cordial Greetings,
OUR
EXPORT MARKET:
1
Germany
2
Malaysia
3
Brazil
4
United Kingdom
5
U.S.A
6
Ukraine
7
Colombia
8
Malta
9
Hungary
10
Australia
<--- --- --
--- --- -- -- -- -- --- --
>
History of the Surgical
Industry
In Pakistan
At the end of the
nineteenth century an American Mission Hospital was established
in Sialkot, India to service the poor population for whom access
to health care was limited. The Dean of this Hospital became
aware of the skill of local artisans who for centuries made
swords and daggers for the Royal Armies. He concluded that if
these artisans were given prototypes that they cold also make
surgical instruments. In the beginning he commissioned a few of
these artisans to make scalpels, which they did to this complete
satisfaction.
As a result of this
demonstrated ability the Dean asked these artisans to make
spatulas and knives of different types. Slowly but steadily
more items were requested. Within a short time word spread of
these artisans to other missionary hospitals throughout India
who began sending for instruments. This type of domestic sales
activity continued up until World War II.
During the Second World
War the British had difficulty getting surgical instrument
supplies to their field hospitals. As part of an alternate
source strategy they conducted a survey of potential sources for
surgical instruments and found that the Sialkot artisans, with
the right guidance, could make the necessary instruments.
To facilitate this
guidance the British established a Surgical Development Center
in Sialkot bringing British instrument making technology to the
industry and training some workers in the necessary skills.
These skilled workers began working in small factories where
many types of haemostatic forceps, dissecting forceps, knives,
scalpels and other instruments were initially made with the help
of this Surgical Center and sold to the British Army.
By the end of the war
the surgical instrument industry was firmly established in small
factories in Sialkot. These factories sent their agents to
various cities in India and began receiving orders for their
instruments. These domestic sales continued until August of
1947 when India was partitioned and Pakistan formed.
Sialkot was in Pakistan
now and the industry immediately faced a serious crisis because
most of the factory owners were Indian Hindus who abandoned
their businesses and migrated to back to India. Event the
electric Supply Co. was run by Hindus who migrated and suddenly
Sialkot was without any qualified personnel to run their
electric plant. Sialkot went without electric service for
several years, which set back the industry’s development.
With the return of
electrical power the industry began to rebuild in the early
1950’s and by 1954 exports of surgical instruments began.
The first export market
became England seeking manicure items and Nurses Scissors. By
the early 1960,s instruments were exported throughout the United
Kingdom and in Germany. Later the United States was added to the
list of importing countries. Pakistan, in its early years,
regulated its import activity by requiring Companies to possess
an import license, but with surgical instrument exports growing
the Government relaxed their import regulations to help a few
factories import raw materials, chiefly stainless steel. In 1968
the Government also allowed six factories to import
manufacturing equipment such as Hammers, Milling Machines,
Eccentric Presses, Electrolytical polishing plants and
Ultrasonic cleaners to increase production and upgrade the
industry’s manufacturing from manual to semi-mechanical
processes.
Through time more
machinery was allowed entry into Pakistan. Production capability
grew and as the supply and market expanded the competition began
to mount with pricing the major weapon. Competitors began to
under cut each other’s prices forcing the Government to set
minimum export prices in 1962. This control was successful in
stabilizing the industry and remained in effect until 1982.
However, when price controls were lifted the price wars resumed
and as prices dropped the need for inexpensive raw material
grew. Substituting medical grade stainless steel with lesser
steel became a cost containment strategy especially when
disposable instruments were introduced and accepted into the
market place. This was also the time when many Pakistani Firms
began establishing offices in the United States to increase
sales.
<--- --- --
--- --- -- -- -- -- --- --
>
COMPANY PROFILE
Briefly
Corporate History:
1
Introduction & Start up year:
To introduce the
firm briefly, M/s. QZA INTERNATIONAL was established in 1940 by
(Late) Mr. Muhammad Abdul Ghani, who was well known as a
specialized skilled worker and maker of Dental Instruments.
1
The QZA International
Story:
He used to supply his hand made products with in the entire
territory of sub-continent prior to August 1947 when the India
and the Pakistan were combined. After the Freedom, the founder
of the firm (Late) Mr. Muhammad Abdul Ghani started the export
to the Middle East.
2
Dynamic Expansion:
Then Mr. Qadeer Ahmad Khan, the son of the founder, entered into
the business under the supervision of his great father. He
sorted out the markets through concrete and rest less efforts
and he succeeded. He also started export to Europe and gradually
developed and expanded his business around the Globe. This
company is totally involved in Dental field, covering operation
room, Floor Grade use and Disposable Line etc.
3
Business Review:
Since then the QZA International are exporting the major lots of
quality products to USA, UK, Germany and Brazil etc., and their
export performance is raising up yearly and now looking ahead.
By the grace of God Almighty, This firm is recognized as a
leading Manufacturing / Exporting Unit of Sialkot, Pakistan.
We are quite aware of the present situation in the USA, UK,
Germany and Brazil etc., regarding the competition in Dental
instruments and also know about the execution of Contracts
keeping in view main three factors i.e. “ Flawless Quality “, “
Most Competitive prices ” and “Delivery in Time” is most
essential for achieving this goal. QZA INTERNATIONAL is a unique
leader in producing the best quality standard instruments and is
well familiar with quality controlling process by using most
modern technology of International quality control systems/programme.
Our all instruments are carefully passivated, electrolytically
polished and ultrasonically cleaned with best chemicals
available. Therefore, we GUARANTEE of our instruments against
any eventual manufacturing defects and material, to either
replaced or credit.
Customer
satisfaction is our priority, business, recognition & basic aim
<--- --- --
--- --- -- -- -- -- --- --
>
QUALITY POLICY
Our Strategy
1
Fair dealing, Straight
Forwardness, Honesty, Sincerity, Truth
2
The Material used in
the production against order is exactly as per approved
samples.
3
Normally, in Cutting
instrument, we use (420 Type) Japanese stainless Steel.
4
For Non-Cutting
instruments like Forceps, Tweezers etc; we use (410 Type)
Japanese Stainless Steel.
5
Moreover, we can also
the material as per our customer requirements.
6
We always cordially
welcome our valued customer’s opinions, suggestion and
recommendation.
7
We give replacement
against defective goods, if the malfunction occurred at our
end.
The best you advise us, the
better we will serve you
Our Goals & Objectives:
All of our goals and
objectives are reviewed on a periodic basis to ensure that they
are used as a means of continuous improvement for the
organization.
This is
our family Business, so we know it better
QUALITY POLICY
|
QZA International is committed to
Produce Quality Goods as per Customer Requirements
International Standard through Continuous Improvement.
Objectives;
0 To
Improve customers and users expectations by reducing the
complaints to below 4%.
0 To
meet legal and regulatory requirements at international
level.
0 To
keep company rejection below 5%.
0 To
Improve supplier’s performance up-to 90 – 100%.
0 To
Improve workers performance up-to 90 – 100%. |
The
quality policy is the main guiding principles that provide the
focus of Quality to the whole organization and improve the
effectiveness of the quality management system.
Long
life customers through quality while consistency in quality
<--- --- --
--- --- -- -- -- -- --- --
>
PROCESS FLOW CHART

<--- --- --
--- --- -- -- -- -- --- --
>
PROCESS MODEL
QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
A TRADITIONAL OF EXCELLENCE
INSTRUMENTS
CARE:
To Our
Customers:
Concerning your
question on why staining, pitting or rusting can develop on
stainless steel instruments; there are some basic points for the
care and handling of Dental instruments which will extend the
life of the instrument, eliminate staining or corrosion and
lower the cost in use.
These are
as follow:
1.
Instruments should be
rinsed as soon as possible after use to remove blood, serum and
saline. Do not use a sponge basin as any reside from normal
saline solution can cause corrosion to develop over a period of
time.
2.
Instruments should be
thoroughly dried after cleaning and before wrapping or storing,
as moisture left in the box lock or serrations can cause rust or
corrosion to develop.
3.
Do not leave
instruments in a cold sterilization soak solution for extended
periods as these solutions tend to be corrosive (after cold
sterilization, rinse the instruments in distilled or
demineralized water and dry thoroughly).
4.
If using cold
sterilization technique, change the solution according to
directions, as prolonged use will cause the solution become
corrosive.
5.
Do not use caustic
cleaners or any other cleaner except those specified for
cleaning Dental instruments
6.
Do not clean
instruments with steel wool or scouring powder, or use high PH
detergents. If cleaning by hand, use a specific instrument
cleaner or a neutral detergent soap and a soft brush (rinse with
demineralized or distilled water).
7.
Check your autoclave.
Iron, sodium, calcium, magnesium or copper in your water can
cause spotting, staining or corrosion to occur. In hard water
areas, clean the lime deposits from steam lines periodically or
use distilled or demineralized water for your autoclave. Install
a steam filter if possible. It will remove most of dirt, rust
and pipe scale.
8.
Make sure your muslin
wraps are rinsed sufficiently (6 to 8 times) by the laundry to
remove all chlorine bleach as any residue can cause staining or
corrosion during autoclaving.
9.
Do not leave
instruments in the following solutions for extended periods as
corrosion can result: -
(a) Aluminum, Barium, Calcium, Ferrous or Stannous Chloride
solutions.
(b) Phenol, Lysol or Lodine.
(c) Dakin's Solution or Zephirin.
(d) Any acid, Mercury or Potassium solution.
10.Do not
sterilize stainless steel instruments with chrome plated
instruments if possible, as any break in the surface of the
chrome plate will allow an electrolytic action to develop
between the dissimilar metals, causing pitting and/or a rusty
appearance to develop.
11.Preheat
instruments in autoclave before allowing steam to enter, if
possible, to prevent an excessive amount of condensation forming
on the surface of the instruments.
12.Don't open
the autoclave too quickly after the sterilization cycle as
excessive condensation will develop on the surface of the
instruments (crack the clave to allow drying before opening
fully).
If you follow the above rules and use instrument cleaners and
lubricant milk such as our Ami-Clean or Ami-Tec products, your
instruments should remain rust, spot and stain free. I hope this
will answer any question you might have on this topic.
When proper care is taken
these stainless steel instruments can last for many years.
STERILIZATION
METHOD:
Sterilization in Autoclave:
1.
After having carefully
washed dried and oiled instruments place instruments that can be
opened in the open position; put these instruments in
sterilization packets and place in appropriate trays.
2.
Be careful not to over
load autoclave. When an autoclave is too full it's possible that
proper sterilization has not taken place.
3.
After the
sterilization cycle has taken place, follow manufacture's
suggestions for drying cycle.
Cold
Sterilization:
When using a
solution for sterilizing instruments careful attention must made
that the solution kills specific bacteria and virus, many
solutions have no effect on bacteria or virus when in the
presence of blood; also many solution are very corrosive on the
instruments, most solutions recommend a soak time of 10 hrs.
Because of the long soak time the chemical action can damage the
instrument. Reduce when possible soak time; where indicated use
a corrosion inhibitor.
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
To our Customer:
1
To provide "Excellent
Service and Economically Price" is the motto of our business.
2
All instruments are
made of Stainless Steel otherwise specified.
3
All types of
"Mirror-Finish" "Satin/Dull-Finish" "Sand Blast-Finish"
instruments are available in stock but choice of polishes will
be supplied on demand without any extra charges.
4
All Disposable/Floor
Grade Instruments are stamped with words "STAINLESS" and
"PAKISTAN". Buyer’s own brand may also be engraved on demand.
"Die-Sunk" procedure generally used.
5
The etching stamps are
only used for "High Quality" Instruments and keep in stock as
per our customer's demand. These are also available in both
"Mirror-Finish" "Satin/Dull-Finish" "Sand Blast-Finish" and are
processed through boil test and passivated, which is a warranty
against oxidization.
6
Each and every piece
is individually packed in airtight polythene bag in order to
avoid by contamination but can be packed as per customer's
demand.
7
All general items are
stored in big quantities in finishes three "Mirror-Finish"
"Satin/Dull-Finish" "Sand Blast-Finish" in order to fulfill the
urgent requirements of our valuable customer's immediately and
price would be same for both finishes.
8
We offer Freight
prepaid and collect prices as per Customer's requirements.
9
Compromise on running
inquiry is our one of the greatest characteristics of our
dealing.
10
While ordering,
specify quantity, catalogue number and description completely.
State if order is to be dispatched by UPS, FedEx or other means
of transportation.
11
Easy replacement in
case of any damage.
12
Advise carrier
promptly of any damage or shortage.
13
Merchandise will not
be accepted for exchange or credit unless or until prior
permission for its return has been granted.
14
Samples are provided
at free of cost.
15
Special items can also
be supplied if sketch, drawing or samples are provided to us or
refer any reference from any reputed catalogue for our guidance.
1
Specification of material used production:
For |
Cutting Instruments |
Stainless Steel AISI/ASTM
|
410/420 |
Hot drop
forged |
|
|
(Rock Well Hardness |
(50° to 55º) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
For |
Extracting Forceps &
Retractor |
Stainless Steel AISI/ASTM
|
410/420 |
Hot drop
forged |
|
|
(Rock Well Hardness |
(45º to 50º) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
For |
Scalar, Gauges and
SCALPEL / |
Stainless Steel AISI/ASTM
|
420 |
Hot drop
forged |
|
HANDLES |
(Rock Well Hardness |
(50° to 55º) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For |
Impression Trays
|
Stainless Steel Sheet |
300 series 18/8 |
(18% CHROMIUM
& 8% NICKEL) |
|
|
(Non-Magnetic) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For |
Root Elevators and
Pliers |
Stainless Steel Sheet |
300/410 |
Hot drop
forged |
|
|
(Magnetic &
Non-Magnetic) |
(45º to 50º) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
All Instruments
are being produced under the supervision of highly experienced
and skilled craftsmen carrying an "UNCONTDITIONAL GUARANTEE"
for: -
1
Use of best steel of
proper specification in the production.
2
Adequate testing in
hardening/tempering.
3
Accurate adjustment of
ratchets/serrations of forceps, etc.
4
Electrolytically
polished, passivated and ultrasonically cleaned with best
suitable chemicals.
5
Flawless workmanship
and superb finish.
6
Minute inspection at
every quality controlling process as per International Standard
Organization specifications.
7
Immediate settlement
of claim against substandard quality.
This "GUARANTEE"
is always maintained as all instruments are fabricated in
uniform standard of samples exactly approved by the buyers.
<--- --- --
--- --- -- -- -- -- --- --
>
MANUFACTURING STEPS
PRODUCTION CAPABILITIES
QZA
International is an employee owned company of Craftsmen and has
got a good reputation for quality and reliability. Our
significant manufacturing steps are being described here-under
briefly:
1. MATERIAL
USED: Always a best quality
stainless steel material is purchased from steel manufacturers.
Two kinds of series i.e. 300, 410 and 420 of stainless steel is
used for production of Dental Instruments.
2. MATERIAL
TESTING: The purchased raw
material is thoroughly tested under PQA. authority. A rigid
quality control policy is being adopted before releasing to
production. This test is taken to check the standard of steel as
per desired specifications and is considered the most important
factor of our business.
3.
FORGING & HAMMERING:
After testing, the stainless steel strips/bars
are divided into different sizes as per our requirements and our
highly experienced craftsmen are specialized in forging
(Hot/Cold Drop) to perform all standard press operations in
forming and deep drawing of all type of instruments. We anneal
the forging and prepare for the milling process.
4. MACHINE &
TOOL WORK: Our highly skilled
technicians have a great knowledge about machine milling
process. We form accurately male/female portion of box-joint
forceps, as well as, serrations/ retches in uniformity. We are
equipped to mill, drill, bore turn and grind all type of metals.
We have in house facility of custom tool and die production,
maintenance and repair.
5. FILLING:
We are specialized in hand–made
fabrication. First, we assemble male/female portion after
setting/adjusting of Extracting Forceps and Scissors, tips,
serrations, ratches in uniformity and file precisely to make it
semi-finish under strictly quality control specifications. We
are now moving from basic hand manufacturing techniques to
mechanization to production run.
6. HEAT TREATMENT:
All instruments are being
tempered maintaining “Rock-Well Hardness” for Extracting Forceps
& Retractor
45º to 50º
degree and Scalar, Gauges and Scalpel
50° to 55º degree. A test is taken to check the hardness after
tempering of each lot to maintain the uniformity and, before
proceeding further, we clean all instruments by various
chemicals. In addition, we will buy specialized Q/C equipment in
near future to meet special customer Q/C. specifications.
7. RIVETING & WELDING:
We perform a wide variety of
assembly operations from prototype quantities to production run.
We rivet precisely each instrument such as, Extracting Forceps &
Retractor, etc. But, for some kind of instruments, we use spot
welding.
8. GRINDING &
POLISHING:
For precise grinding and excellent
finish, we specialize in applying polishing wheels to belts to
improve the overall finish in high uniformity utilizing best of
polishing luster. We use electro-plating plants to polish
serrations/ratches and joints of stainless steel instruments.
For satin/matt finish instruments, we use glass heads to achieve
uniformity. All instruments are being polished under rigid
quality control specifications.
9. PASSIVATION:
This method actually provides the
instruments with its corrosion resistance properties.
Passivation, which follows the final polishing step, is a
chemical bath, which creates an oxidized layer on the surface of
instruments. We are now equipped with most modern process.
10. ULTRASONIC CLEANING:
We are full equipped with most
modern ultrasonic cleaning plants imported from “Branson
Cleaning Equipment Co. USA”, and all instruments are being
cleaned properly utilizing various chemicals such as, Tri-Chloroethlyine
etc.
11. INSPECTION &
STAMPING: We inspect
all instruments under rigid Q/C. specifications and give the
assurance to our relative clients that all instruments shall be
free from all defects such as, burrs, sharp edges,
cracks, pitting, scratches, grease / excessive oil and foreign
matters etc. We also guarantee for its workmanship. For
stamping, we use both process i.e. die sunk and electrolytic
marking and are being marked under customer’s specifications.
12. PACKING & LABELING:
We pack all instruments under
strictly Q/C. specifications as per customer’s demand. Normally,
we pack individually in poly bag and further 12 pieces in one
box mentioning outside with Part Number, Description and Lot
Number. All instruments are packed in polybags with adequate
desiccant in each poly bag to absorb moisture. Mostly, we are
packaging and labeling as per customer demand.
<--- --- --
--- --- -- -- -- -- --- --
>
CLEANING,
STERILIZATION & MAINTENANCE PROCESS
RECOMMENDED STEPS IN CLEANING, STERILIZATION AND
MAINTENANCE OF DENTAL INSTRUMENTS.
1.
RINSING:
Immediately after
surgery, rinse instruments under warm (not hot) running water.
Rinse should remove
all blood, body fluids and tissue.
2.
CLEANING:
(If not done
immediately after rinsing, instruments should be submerged in a
solution of water and neutral PH (7) detergent)
A.
Ultrasonic Cleaning
For micro and eye instruments, use
manual Cleaning (step C). Instruments should be processed in
the cleaner for the full recommended cycle time-usually 5 To
10 minutes. Place instruments in open position into the
Ultrasonic cleaner. Make sure that “Sharps” (Scissors, Knives,
Osteotomes, etc) blades do not touch other instruments. All
instruments have to be fully submerged. Do not place dissimilar
metals (stainless, copper, chrome plated, etc). in the same
cleaning cycle. Change solution frequently-at least as often as
manufacturer recommends. Rinse instruments after ultrasonic
cleaning with water to remove ultrasonic cleaning solution.
B. Automatic Washer Sterilizers
Follow
manufacturers recommendations but make sure instruments are
lubricated after last Rinse cycle and before sterilization
cycle.
C. Manual Cleaning
Most instruments
manufacturers recommend ultrasonic cleaning as the best and most
effective way to clean Dental instruments, particularly those
with hinges, locks and other moving parts. If ultrasonic
cleaning is not available, observe the following steps:
1.
Use stiff plastic cleaning brushes
(nylon, etc.). Do not use steel wool or wire brushes except
specially recommended stainless steel wire brushes for
instruments such as bone files, or on Stained areas in knurled
handles.
II.
Use only neutral PH (7) detergents because, if
not rinsed off properly, low PH detergents will cause breakdown
of stainless protective surface and black staining.
High PH detergent will cause surface deposit of brown stain,
which will also interfere with smooth operation of the
instrument.
III. Brush delicate
instruments carefully and, if possible, handle them totally
separate from general instruments.
IV.
Make sure all instruments surfaces are
visibly clean and free from stains and tissue. This is a good
time to inspect each instrument for proper function and
condition.
Check
and make sure that:
Scissors blades
glide smoothly all the way (they must not be loose when in
closed position). Test scissors by cutting into thin
gauze. Three quarter of length of blade should cut all the way
to the Scissors tips, and not hang up.
Forceps (pickups) have properly aligned tips. Needle holders do
not show light between the jaws, lock and unlock easily, joints
are not too loose. Check Needle holders for wear on jaw
surfaces. Suction tubes are clean inside. Retractors function
properly. Osteotomes and knives have sharp undamaged blades.
Test Biopsy Punches by cutting tissue paper. Punches should
produce a clean cut-out, without hanging or tearing.
V.
After scrubbing, rinse instruments
thoroughly under running water. While rinsing, open and
close scissors, Needle holders and other hinged
instruments to make sure the hinge areas are rinsed out, as well
as the outside of the instruments.
3.
AFTER CLEANING:
If instruments are to be stored,
let them air dry and store them in a clean and dry environment.
4.
AUTOCLAVING: If instruments
are to be reused or autoclaved:
A. Lubricate
all instruments, which have any “metal to metal” action such as
scissors, Needle holders, self-retaining retractors, etc.
Recommended Dental lubricants such as instrument milk are best.
Do not use WD-40 oil or other industrial lubricants.
B. Put
instruments up for autoclaving either individually or in sets.
Individual instruments-
Disposable paper or plastic
pouches are ideal. Make sure you use a wide enough pouch (4” or
wider) for instruments with ratchet locks such as needle holders
and other instruments can be sterilized in an open (unlocked)
position.
Instrument Sets- Unlock all
instruments and sterilize them in an open position. Place heavy
instruments on bottom of set (when two layers are required).
Never lock an instrument during autoclaving. It will not be
sterile, as steam cannot reach the metal-to-metal surfaces. The
instrument will develop cracks in hinge areas because of heat
expansion during autoclave cycle. Do not overload autoclave
chamber, as pockets may form that do not permit steam
penetration.
Place towel on bottom of pan to absorb excess moisture during
autoclaving. This will reduce the chances of getting “Wet
Packs”. Make sure the towels used in sterilization of
instruments have no detergent residue and are neutral PH (7) if
immersed in water. This can be a real problem as laundries
frequently use inexpensive but high PH (9-13) detergents and do
not properly rinse out or neutralize those detergents in the
final wash/rinse cycle. Also sometimes bleaches such as Clorox
are added and are not neutralized.
CAUTION- At the end of the
autoclave cycle- before the drying cycle-unlock autoclave door
and open it no more than a crack (about ¾”). Then run dry cycle
for the period recommended by the autoclave manufacturer. If the
autoclave door is opened fully before the drying cycle, cold
room air will rush into the chamber, causing condensation on the
instruments. This will result in water stains on the instruments
and also cause wet packs. If you have any unusual staining
on your instruments during sterilization contact your local
instrument representative.
5.
COLD STERILIZATION
Most cold
sterilization solutions render instruments sterile only after a
10-hour immersion. This prolonged chemical action can be more
detrimental to Dental instruments than the usual
20 minutes autoclave cycle. If the instruments need to be
“disinfected” only, cold sterilization is okay, as disinfections
will take place in only 10 minutes. But keep in kind the
difference between:
STERILE – an absolute
term (no living organism survives)
and
DISINFECTED – basically
clean.
Always use the proper sterilization/cleaning technique to render
the instrument in the required condition for use.
1. RINSING
Immediately after surgery, rinse instruments under warm
(not hot) running water. Rinse should remove all blood, body
fluids and tissue. |
1. Use stiff
plastic cleaning brushes (nylon, etc.).
Do not use steel wool or wire brushes except
Specially recommended stainless steel wire
brushes for instruments such as bone files, or on
Stained areas in knurled handles. |
2. CLEANING
(If not done immediately after rinsing, instruments
should be submerged in a solution of water and neutral PH
(7) detergent) |
II. Use
only neutral PH (7) detergents because, if
Not rinsed off properly, low PH detergents will
Cause breakdown of stainless protective surface
and
black staining. |
A. Ultrasonic
Cleaning
For micro and eye instruments, use manual
Cleaning (step C).
Instruments should be processed in the cleaner
For the full recommended cycle time- usually 5
To 10 minutes.
Place instruments in open position into the
Ultrasonic cleaner. Make sure that “Sharps”
(Scissors, Knives, Osteotomes, etc) blades do not
touch other instruments.
All instruments have to be fully submerged.
Do not place dissimilar metals (stainless, copper,
Chrome plated, etc). in the same cleaning cycle.
Change solution frequently-at least as often as
Water to remove ultrasonic cleaning solution.
|
High PH detergent will cause surface
deposit of
brown stain, which will also interfere with
smooth operation of the instrument.
III. Brush delicate instruments carefully and, if
possible, handle them totally separate from
general instruments.
IV. Make sure all instrument surfaces are visibly
clean and free from stains and tissue.
This is a good time to inspect each instrument
for proper function and condition.
Check and make sure that:
Scissors blades glide smoothly all the way (they
must not be loose when in closed position). Test
scissors by cutting into thin gauze. Three quarter
of length of blade should cut all the way to the
|
B. Automatic
Washer Sterilizers
Follow manufacturers recommendations but
Make sure instruments are lubricated after last
Rinse cycle and before sterilization cycle. |
scissors tips,
and not hang up.
Forceps (pickups) have properly aligned tips.
Needle holders do not show light between the
Jaws, lock and unlock easily, joints
|
C. Manual
Cleaning
Most instruments manufacturers recommend
ultrasonic cleaning as the best and most
effective
Way to clean Dental instruments, particularly
those with hinges, locks and other moving parts.
If ultrasonic cleaning is not available, observe the
Following steps: |
are not too
loose. Check Needle holders for wear
on jaw surfaces.
Suction tubes are clean
inside.
Retractors function properly.
Osteotomes and knives have sharp undamaged blades.
Test Biopsy Punches by cutting tissue paper.
Punches should produce a clean cut-out, without
hanging or tearing. |
|