SPECIAL REPORTS

How surgical instruments are cleaned

There are multiple methods for cleaning medical devices, depending on the material and design of the instrument, but the process typically goes like this: Before leaving the operating room, the instruments are sprayed or soaked in enzymatic detergent solution.
There are multiple methods for cleaning medical devices, depending on the material and design of the instrument, but the process typically goes like this: Before leaving the operating room, the instruments are sprayed or soaked in enzymatic detergent solution.
Charles V. Tines, File, The Detroit News
Workers manually scrub the instruments with brushes before they're sent through an automated washer or ultrasonic machine.
Workers manually scrub the instruments with brushes before they're sent through an automated washer or ultrasonic machine.
Max Ortiz, The Detroit News
Instruments are moved to a preparation area where they're inspected for cleanliness, often with magnifying glasses, tiny cameras or special chemicals.
Instruments are moved to a preparation area where they're inspected for cleanliness, often with magnifying glasses, tiny cameras or special chemicals.
Max Ortiz, The Detroit News
Instrument trays are steam sterilized at 275-degree temperatures. Some instruments, including those that are battery powered, are sterilized at lower temperatures with chemicals.
Instrument trays are steam sterilized at 275-degree temperatures. Some instruments, including those that are battery powered, are sterilized at lower temperatures with chemicals.
Max Ortiz, The Detroit News
Instruments are packaged into surgery-specific sets and wrapped in a special material that allows steam to penetrate but blocks microbes and pathogens.
Instruments are packaged into surgery-specific sets and wrapped in a special material that allows steam to penetrate but blocks microbes and pathogens.
Max Ortiz, The Detroit News
Sterilized instruments are moved to a clean room and remain sealed in their packaging until needed in the operating room.
Sterilized instruments are moved to a clean room and remain sealed in their packaging until needed in the operating room.
Max Ortiz, The Detroit News