Written Protocol for Instrument Processing
Begin instrument processing with donning personal protective equipment –
Fluid Resistant Body Protection, Protective Eyewear, Mask, and Heavy-Duty Chemical Resistant Gloves
STEP 1 – PRE-CLEANING
Dispose of sharps in Sharps containers in Operatory.
Carefully collect all instruments onto Operatory tray at chairside.
Dispose of all barriers and single use items in Operatory garbage.
Place all contaminated laundry in designated laundry area.
STEP 2 – TRANSPORTING CONTAMINATED INSTRUMENTS TO STERILIZATION AREA
Transport all contaminated items on Operatory tray to “Dirty Area” in Sterilization Processing
Area.
Dispose of Biohazard Red Bag waste into Biohazard Red Bag container in Sterilization Area.
Dispose of carpules in garbage (if completely empty), in carpules Rx waste (with solution), or
sharps
container (if visible blood or cracked or broken)
STEP 2 CLEANING
Wipe High Speed and Low Speed Handpieces with “Intermediate-level” disinfectant wipe per
manufacturer’s recommendations and place in packaging area.
Take basket out of Ultrasonic and load instruments into basket using tongs – all hinges in open
position.
Place basket back into Ultrasonic solution and process for a minimum of 10 minutes in
Ultrasonic.
Dump contents of Ultrasonic basket onto towel and visually inspect for residual debris or
damage.
If manual scrubbing is necessary, use a long-handled brush and scrub under water to prevent
splashing.
With heavy-duty chemical resistant gloves still on, clean gloves with “Intermediate level” wipes.
STEP 3 – PACKAGING INSTRUMENTS
After cleaning and drying, all instruments must be packaged or wrapped before sterilization.
Hinged instruments should be packaged so they remain in the opened and unlocked position.
For all instruments processed in cassettes, place internal indicators in center of cassette. Add cotton rolls
& gauze. Close cassette securely.
Wrap cassettes in double sterilization wrap and secure with heat processing tape, or package cassettes
in
pouches.
STEP 4 – STERILIZATION
Load the Sterilizer according to manufacturer’s instructions. Do not overload. Packages should be in
single
layer.
With heavy-duty chemical resistant gloves still on, clean and disinfect gloves with “Intermediate-level”
disinfecting wipes.
Remove heavy-duty gloves and hang to dry.
Wash hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer to disinfect hands.
When removing packages from Sterilizer, verify sterilization has occurred by inspecting process
indicators.
Spore test Sterilizer weekly and record in Spore Test Log – maintain Spore Test records for 12 months.
STEP 5 – STORAGE OF STERILE ITEMS
Store sterilized pouches and wrapped cassettes in a clean, dry environment to maintain the integrity of
the package.
Packages containing sterile supplies should be inspected before use to verify barrier integrity and
process
indicators.
If packaging is compromised, instruments shall be re-cleaned, repackaged, and sterilized again