Instruments Care – DNS Surgical

Care & Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance are essential for ensuring long-lasting performance, safety, and reliability of your diagnostic, surgical, and dental instruments. High-quality instruments are a significant investment, and routine maintenance not only extends their service life but also protects them from damage, corrosion, and operational inefficiency.

Please take a moment to review the following guidelines. When maintained correctly, instruments manufactured by Dad & Sons Surgical Industry deliver exceptional performance and durability.

1. Cleaning

Thorough cleaning after each use is the most important step in preserving instrument quality.

Immediately after procedures, rinse instruments under warm running water to prevent blood, debris, and chemical residue from drying.
Use a soft cloth or non-abrasive brush to gently clean hinges, serrations, and hard-to-reach areas.
Avoid chlorine-based cleaning solutions, as they can damage stainless steel.
After cleaning, always dry instruments completely to prevent moisture-related corrosion.

2. Lubrication

Proper lubrication ensures smooth function and prevents premature wear of joints and moving parts.

Apply a few drops of high-quality medical-grade instrument lubricant to the hinge, pivot, or box-lock area.
Lubricate at least once per workday, or after cleaning and sterilization cycles.
Do not use industrial oils—they may damage instruments or interfere with sterilization.

Lubrication reduces friction, protects against rust, and enhances overall instrument lifespan.

3. Inspection & Function Testing

Regular inspection helps identify issues before they cause serious damage.

Check alignment, sharpness, and tension of scissors, forceps, and needle holders.
Ensure that jaws close evenly and securely.
Inspect cutting edges regularly for dullness, chipping, or bending.
Replace or service instruments immediately if damage is detected.

4. Adjusting Tension (For Scissors and Hinged Instruments)

Proper tension ensures smooth performance and prevents folding or incomplete cutting.

Hold the instrument vertically and gently open the handles.
When one handle is lifted to a 90° angle and released, the blade should close approximately two-thirds of the way.
If it closes fully, tension is too loose; if it barely moves, tension is too tight.
Adjust carefully using the tension screw, avoiding damage to decorative or jeweled knobs.

5. Sterilization

Correct sterilization is crucial for both instrument life and patient safety.

Follow approved sterilization protocols, such as autoclaving or cold sterilization, depending on instrument type.
Ensure instruments are fully dry before sterilizing.
Open all hinged instruments to allow proper steam penetration.
Avoid overloading trays, which may prevent effective sterilization.
Never expose instruments to harsh chemicals that can cause staining, corrosion, or metal fatigue.

6. Storage

Proper storage prevents accidental damage and maintains instrument integrity.

Store instruments in their closed position to protect edges and tips.
Always use padded, non-magnetic cases—leather is highly recommended.
Avoid storing instruments loosely in drawers where they may scratch or bend.
Never place instruments near magnetic surfaces, as magnetization attracts metal particles that may harm precision surfaces.

7. Sharpening & Professional Servicing

Sharpness and precision are critical for effective performance.

Only allow experienced professionals to sharpen or service your instruments.
Poor sharpening can permanently damage blades, void warranties, and reduce efficiency.
Schedule routine sharpening based on frequency of use—monthly for heavy use, quarterly for standard use.

Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

Clean, dry, and lubricate instruments daily.
Inspect tension, alignment, and sharpness regularly.
Handle all instruments with care and keep them dedicated to their intended purpose.
Store instruments in protective cases, especially during transport.

Don’ts

Do not use damaged or nicked instruments.
Do not store instruments while wet or contaminated.
Do not expose instruments to corrosive chemicals, hair dyes, sterilizing comb liquids, or bleach.
Do not drop or throw instruments into drawers or onto surfaces.
Do not allow unqualified technicians to sharpen or repair instruments.