Also, if soiled materials dry or bake onto the instruments, the removal process becomes more difficult and the disinfection or sterilization process less effective or ineffective. Surgical instruments should be presoaked or rinsed to prevent drying of blood and to soften or remove blood from the instruments.

How long should surgical instruments soak?

Recommended procedures for manual cleaning are to first soak the instrument in a tepid or lukewarm water or detergent bath for at least 10 minutes, preferably until all soil on the instrument is softened.

When sanitizing instruments soak solutions should?

Instruments should be submerged in a solution of water and neutral pH (7) detergent. Place instruments in an open position into the ultrasonic cleaner. Make sure all “Sharp” (i.e. scissors, knives, blades etc) do not touch other instruments. All instruments must be completely submerged.